Editor's Pick: Data Interoperability Software Offers Enhanced CATIA V5 Metadata Support

By Anthony J. Lockwood

Dear Desktop Engineering Reader:

Exchanging then repairing files between multiple CAD, CAM, and CAE systems is probably the biggest bane to efficiency that everyone seems to accept as a normal part of their workflow. And that's because it's one tough job. I mean" geez" for my primary writing and editing, I use an open source word processor. Whenever I pull in a native Word manuscript, dozens of little oddities need fixing before I can begin work. It's a relatively simple job exchanging files between word processors. It's anything but simple exchanging data files in a multi-CAD environment. That is why solid, easy-to-use data interoperability solutions are so important.

The people at TransMagic just released a service pack upgrade of their TransMagic CAD/CAM/CAE data exchange applications. The idea here is simple: TransMagic tries to make the difficult job of getting a file from one incompatible format to another as painless for you as possible. Recognizing the mathematical impossibility of perfection, the software comes with a robust set of geometry repair tools.

This release grabbed my interest for a number of reasons, chief of which is that it caught up with the latest developments in the world of CAD applications and modeling kernels. And that's like winning at Whack a Mole because CAD/CAM/CAE developers constantly change and extend their software.

To be specific, this version of TransMagic supports the latest versions of NX, Pro/ENGINEER (now Creo Elements/Pro), SolidWorks, and Parasolid. Importantly, it also provides what the company describes as greater access to engineering data and PMI (product manufacturing information) in CATIA V5 and Parasolid files. The software's Assembly Browser has been enhanced to give you access to more metadata and information, making it easier to find, use, and re-use the data you need.

There's a lot to learn about this release of TransMagic, most of which is covered in today's Pick of the Week write-up and the link at the conclusion of the main text. But, frankly, what I recommend you do is see for yourself. So, first, in the links after the main text, check out the videos. What you'll see is a seemingly robust and easy-to-use system doing some difficult things with aplomb. Then, to really get the idea, sign up for the full-function trial version and beat on it.

Data exchange is one of the most difficult, never-ending challenges facing manufacturers. The task of creating tools to cope with this challenge is no cake walk either. TransMagic could offer the combination of power, features, and automation you need to get a handle on your data exchange efforts. So, give it a try. You have nothing to lose but a lot process inefficiencies.

Thanks, Pal." Lockwood

Anthony J. Lockwood
Editor at Large, Desktop Engineering

Read today's Pick of the Week write-up.

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