Improving the Performance of Neutral File Data Transfers [Paperback]

This book is concerned with problems and solutions associated with the exchange of data between different computer aided design, engineering and manufacturing (CAx) systems. After an analysis of the current problems a new strategy consisting of a test methodology, check software and tools for the improvement of the data exchange process are discussed. The particular problems associated with the transfer of curve and surface data are expanded upon and new methods to overcome them presented. With all these tools a system-specific adaption of neutral files is made possible. Thus the integration of several incompatible CAx systems within devel- opment and production processes can be effectively improved. In order to exclude incorrect data a new methodology for neutral file processor tests has been worked out. Finally, the benefits resulting from this new strategy are shown by the example of data transfer not only between CAx systems but also between consecutive production processes.Project Overview.- 1 CAD/CAM data exchange in the industrial environment  methodology and tools.- 1.0 Introduction.- 1.1 Experiences with CAD data transfer.- 1.2 Problems caused by the specification.- 1.3 Problems regarding the processor quality.- 1.4 Problems caused by differences between CAD/CAM systems.- 1.5 Usage of CAD data exchange software in the industrial environment.- 1.6 Basis of neutral file adaption.- 1.6.1 Overcoming system differences.- 1.6.2 Overcoming differences in applications.- 1.7 Usage of neutral file adapting system NFAS.- 1.7.1 Presuppositions.- 1.7.2 Exchanging data between CATIA and CADCPL via NFAS.- 1.8 Summary.- 2 Exchange of curve and surface data.- 2.0 Introduction.- 2.1 Forms of representation.- 2.2 Exchange mechanisms.- 2.2.1 Parametric evaluators.- 3 Neutral file interface requirements.- 3.0 Introduction.- 3.1 Design objectives.- 3.2 Neutral file entities.- 3.3 General parametric curve and surface representations.- 3.3.1 Stability experiments.- 3.3.2 Analysislƒ*