Current Issues in CAD Model Data Exchange: A Review

摘要

Data portability between different CAD/CAM systems has been achieved using translators to facilitate the exchange of CAD models between different CAD/CAM systems and between CAD system and other computer based application systems. Efforts have been made to achieve seamless translation of data between the CAD systems. Data loss during the translation affects one to one transportability resulting in incomplete model being transferred between different systems. In addition available translators are dedicated to a combination of CAD Modelling systems and there are no universal translators which can handle the CAD model generated in all CAD/CAM software. Most translators can currently only transfer models representing the final result of constructional process, with all the information about the procedure being lost in the exchange process. Neutral standards like STEP, IGES have addressed the issue of data transfer between different CAD systems, but these are incapable of handling design intent information generated by modern CAD systems. Aim of this paper is to discuss research efforts to address the problem of transfer of design intent information. Current practical issues in data exchange, that hinder the exchange of procedurally defined shape models between different CAD systems have also been discussed along with avenues of future research.