CoreTechnologie Launches Simplified CAD Models for Digital Factory Planning

A new 3D_Evolution Simplifier function from CoreTechnologie now automatically generates envelope geometry especially for all major visualization tools. The Simplifier enables a smooth and fast processing of large CAD models.

The latest version of renowned conversion and simplification software 3D_Evolution Simplifier of  the German-French company CoreTechnologie (CT) is now also available with a new DGN interface, completing the wide range of interfaces and formats for all major digital factory planning tools.

Simplified Planning Process

The 3D_Evolution software reads 3D formats such as CATIA, JT, CREO, NX, SolidWorks and STEP without a CAD license and automatically generates envelope geometries based on the exact, original model. The technology extracts the inner geometry of the models and creates an outer shell as a closed volume for conversion into CAD or factory planning systems such as Microstation, Process Simulate or PDMS. In addition to deleting the internal geometry, holes, fonts, radii and other details that are unnecessary for the planning process are also removed. Subsequently, the internal bodies can be identified and automatically deleted by a so-called "Shrinkwrap" tool. Only bodies that are visible from the outside and relevant for the planning process are retained. In all stages of simplification and conversion healing functions ensure that geometry errors in the CAD models are analyzed and cleaned up to generate volume bodies, that is, closed solid geometry.

Next Generation of Digital Factory Planning

A new simplifier function enables further simplification by creating minimal envelope bodies. Details such as energy chains or special section tubes are replaced by envelopes, which after simplification only contain a fraction of the original amount of data. The automatic process, which is quick even when simplifying large amounts of data, reduces the elements of typical assemblies by up to 95%. Formats like DGN for Microstation or JT and STEP allow the transfer to the common visualization systems.

The simplification enables a compression of the CAD models. Large CAD assemblies such as robot cells or conveying systems are simplified in a short time and can be handled after conversion in the factory planning software.

Adaptation of the Assembly Structure for the Simulation

With 3D_Evolution CAD assembly structures can easily be converted into a functional product structure, necessary for the simulation. With a few clicks, the user disassembles or "flattens" the original assembly structure ito merge the parts of the simplified model in such a way that subassemblies and bodies that belong together in the simulation are restructured in a new and now functional orientated assembly structure.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.