cimitron iges question?

Hi,

Some of the toolmakers I work with use cimitron. They tend to ask for
iges files by default - but if I send an assembly as a single file,
wether or not I use the 'flatten' option, any bodies that are touching
are 'fused' together and appear on the same 'level'. Having never seen
cimitron I'm at a bit of a loss. Exporting each tool component
individually makes file management more difficult and just takes
longer. So, if anyone here uses cimitron please let me know a
preferred method!

Thanks,

Zander

 

Zander,

You might want to try STEP. I don't know if Cimatron includes the translator
by default, but almost all systems do these days.

Most old school toolmakers ask for IGES even when their CAM system supports
much better formats like STEP, Parasolid, and ACIS. I know a few of these,
and computers make them uncomfortable. They don't have any choice but to use
them, or go broke.

I use Mastercam and Parasolid is the best in this case. I do have a couple
of vendors that use the same software and inssist on crummy old IGES. Even
after it's demonstrated how superior Parsolid is. I guess it must be some
kind of weird "comfort zone" thing.

If he still insists on IGES, try generating the file using IGES 186
(manifold B-rep). It should keep all the objects seperated. It's under the
options button on the "File-save as" window

Good luck

 

Zander,

I forgot to add, Cimatron also has a direct Solidworks translator. I've got
a feeling, though, that this is an extra cost add in. Cimatron is a very
vertically integrated product, kind of like Catia. Once you get every thing
you really need you've dropped 20K or more.


Mark

 

IIRC There are or were some users over in alt.machines.cnc ..
to which this is now crossposted.
You may also wish to search their archives ... ?

HTH

 

Hello
Try sending a .SAT file "Cimatro E" modeler is based on ACIS so it
accepts SAT files with no problems. As far as I can remember the old
Cimatron IT v12 Accepts SAT as well.
Since IGES is only surfaces . building solids from iges can be tricky
in case of surfaces overlapping.
SATon the other hand is build for solid.
dudi peer
EDS-ECI

 

IGES handles most types of wireframe well.

 

Poor modeling & poor user & design skills or using
open tolerances to fake it are no excuse.

 

FYI an ACIS neutral does not support any geometry representation or attribute
that IGES does not support. Fewer, in fact, as IGES supports assembly
structures, parts in a variety of geometry types including manifold b-reps and
instanced entities. Of course that doesn't benefit the user if a source or
target application doesn't employ appropriate IGES pre or post processor
functions. ACIS or Parasolid neutrals usually provide more robust solid body
translations, not because they are better but, because the translator functions
licensed from the kernel developer are easier for application programmers to
interface and sometimes a one button UI doesn't hurt. <G>