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Created on: February 18, 2004
Last modified: September 07, 2010

Direct CAD Interfaces (DCI) and Direct CAD Translators Information

Introduction
What are Direct CAD Interfaces?
Why are Direct CAD Interfaces Important?
What CAD Versions are Supported?
What Direct CAD Translators Are Available?
How Can I Obtain the Direct CAD Interface Functionality?
How Do I Set Up and Use the Direct CAD Interface?

Introduction

Quickly and accurately measuring your part programs requires the best tools. Previous versions gave you better tools than you ever had before. In PC-DMIS Versions 3.2 and above, Wilcox Associates, Inc. offers an even more powerful enhancement unmatched by other geometric measurement packages.

Enjoy the flexibility of using PC-DMIS in conjunction with CAD systems (these include Unigraphics, Catia, Pro/ENGINEER, I-DEAS, ACIS, and in PC-DMIS 3.6 and above, SolidWorks).
Avoid the possibility of errors and limitations associated with translation of data from CAD systems into PC-DMIS' internal CAD format.
Work with PC-DMIS using CAD data native to various CAD systems.
Calculate information inside PC-DMIS using mathematical routines native to other CAD systems.
Display, and interact with a CAD system's native geometry, all the while never leaving PC-DMIS.

Introducing Direct CAD Interfaces or DCI.

What are Direct CAD Interfaces?

Earlier attempts at using data from various CAD systems within PC-DMIS required internal CAD data translations that were, at times, prone to errors and data loss. Directly interfacing with a CAD system, however, does not translate the CAD data. Instead, this unique functionality actually uses the CAD system's native mathematical routines to obtain the requested information. A direct CAD interface also uses the CAD system's native API to access the CAD database for displaying and interacting with the geometry.

Why are Direct CAD Interfaces Important?

While directly interfacing with a CAD system requires a CAD system's license, it offers numerous benefits. These include:

An interface within PC-DMIS linked directly to the CAD.
Accurate CAD data, free from translation errors and limitations.
Allows access to GD&T information in the future as CAD systems expose this information with their native APIs.
Reduced programming time and improved program quality.

Thanks to Direct CAD Interfaces, you can now easily and accurately use data from various CAD systems directly in PC-DMIS, saving both time and accuracy.

What CAD Versions are Supported?

Wilcox Associates Inc. (WAI) has developed direct interfaces to several CAD systems for PC-DMIS Versions 3.2 and above.

Follow this link for Supported CAD Systems.

What Direct CAD Translators are Available

Direct CAD Translators (DCT) import CAD system models by translating the native CAD system files into PC-DMIS's internal CAD format.

The benefits of the Direct CAD Translators compared to the Direct CAD Interfaces are the following:

Installation or license of CAD system not needed.
Importing the CAD file is often faster.
Once imported, the original CAD file is not needed.
Working with the model in PC-DMIS is often faster.

The disadvantages of the Direct CAD Translators compared to the Direct CAD Interfaces are the following:

Possibility of errors and limitations associated with translation of data from CAD systems into PC-DMIS’ internal CAD format.

Geometry calculations performed using PC-DMIS mathematical routines, which may not be ideally suited to original CAD system representation.

Supported DCTs are:

CATIA 4 part files from version 3.2 to 4.2.4.
CATIA 5 part files (CATPart) and assembly files (CATProduct) from release 6 through release 12. (Note: The CATIA 5 DCT is not available in PC-DMIS 3.5.)
Pro/ENGINEER part and assembly files from version 18 to Wildfire 2. (Note: PC-DMIS 3.5 only supports Pro/ENGINEER part and assembly files from version 18 to version 2001.)
Unigraphics part and assembly files from version 15 to NX2. (Note: PC-DMIS 3.5 does not support compressed Unigraphics files or part and assembly files later than version 18.)
Parasolid part and assembly files from version 11 to 16. (Note: PC-DMIS 3.5 only supports Parasolid part and assembly files from version 11 to 14).

How Can I Obtain the Direct CAD Interface Functionality?

Direct CAD Interface is an optional module that can be purchased from your authorized PC-DMIS reseller. Call your reseller, or contact sales@wilcoxassoc.com for more details.

In addition, for Direct CAD Interfaces to function, you must have access to the corresponding CAD software license either by installing it locally through a networked (floating) scenario.

How Do I Set Up and Use the Direct CAD Interfaces?

Click to download documentation on installing and setting up PC-DMIS to work with your CAD software using Direct CAD Interfaces.