Software allows model comparisons

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 22, 2007

Cadiq 5.0 makes it easy to automatically compare 3D CAD models in multiple formats and to identify and resolve geometric shape and quality differences.

ITI TranscenData has launched Cadiq 5.0, the latest version of its advanced 3D model comparison and product data quality tool.

Cadiq 5.0 makes it easier than ever to automatically compare 3D CAD models in multiple formats and to identify and resolve geometric shape and quality differences.

Cadiq identifies potential shape and fit problems and differences in 3D CAD models that may affect downstream applications, such as analysis, manufacturing and data migration.

The CAD model comparison functionality allows users to accurately compare the geometry and topology of two, three or four different CAD models and therefore to validate CAD system migration, data exchange and legacy CAD data remastering processes.

Don HemmElgarn, ITI TranscenData President, comments on the measurable business benefits of Cadiq: "Our customers' requirements often focus on base product functionality, which can be difficult for management to quantify in terms of advantage and value".

"With this in mind, ITI TranscenData has defined clear business drivers that both our technology and expertise can address".

Compelling business drivers for Cadiq include enabling an organisation to: identify problem models that increase manufacturing, analysis and supplier integration costs; implement model-based engineering strategies through the creation of robust master models; uncover unexpected changes introduced during translation, migration or remastering projects; and provide rapid confirmation of changes during revision checking.

The launch of Cadiq 5.0 reflects a growing demand among end-users for increased automation, ease of use and support for the latest software platforms as well as legacy systems and formats.

Like previous versions, Excel statistics are automatically generated to support Six Sigma quality processes and all functionality is available in a command line interface for integration into PLM environments.

Highlights of Cadiq version 5.0 include: distributed, parallel batch analysis of CAD models; simplified analysis configuration and launching; new advanced model quality diagnostics for casting and moulding applications; automated assembly analysis for Catia V4, Catia V5, Step and Parasolid models; semi-automated assembly analysis for Unigraphics NX and I-deas NX models; new Cadiq system interface for native CADDS 5i models; new Windows XP 64-bit platform support; and updated support for Catia V4, Catia V5, Unigraphics NX, Pro/Engineer, I-deas NX, SolidWorks, Parasolid, Step and Iges.

"The increasing number of CAD products and formats available and their growing complexity is testimony to the vital role that 3D modelling now plays within the manufacturing industry", says Doug Cheney, Cadiq Product Manager and CAD Interoperability Consultant at ITI TranscenData.

"While this offers undoubted performance and financial benefits, it can become difficult to create a consistent and reliable 3D environment when different CAD formats interact".

"Cadiq has been specifically engineered to address this issue".

Cheney continues, "By automatically highlighting differences in shape, form, mass properties, surface geometry and topology, as well as clearly identifying quality defects, Cadiq helps CAD users improve the accuracy and reliability of their 3D models, which significantly speeds up workflow and helps give an organisation total confidence in the integrity and value of its engineering data".