New Validation Tool from Kubotek

CAD system interoperability is a well-known problem. Engineering staff know that converting data from one format to another almost invariably invites undesired changes. And, when a model goes through different designers and workshops, it’s all too easy to incompletely document changes due to distractions, breaks in workflow, or simply because some changes are inadvertent. Visual comparison is a long-winded and tedious procedure. Mass properties comparison is insufficient in itself to highlight all differences. While it can tell the designer that models are different, it may not indicate where the differences lie. And, models may actually be different, but give a ‘false positive’ result in a mass properties comparison. Kubotek, using its latest “Face Logic” and Pattern Recognition technologies, has created a program that allows the user to compare two models and generate detailed, multiple illustrated reports of the differences. The user can define the level of detail of the comparison, acceptable tolerance levels, and bases of comparison and then easily and quickly run the procedure. The user can compare on the basis of geometry, topology, entity, mass properties, tolerance and other information. On completion of the validation, the user may generate a report containing an encrypted signature to provide a validation certificate. Validation Tool allows the user to see and document the mathematical differences of the comparison models. The process is very quick, taking from a few seconds to a few minutes depending on model complexity, and giving very precise results. “3D model comparison is a problem every CAD user now faces” – said Mr. Luca Cariglia – CEO of Kubotek Europe – “Companies often receive updated files from customers with just a few notes about changes, but sometimes there are more than the documentation indicates. Even inside the same company there is the need to verify differences between revisions of a model or assembly. If a company needs to pass a neutral file format to a supplier, they also need to verify that the neutral format data matches the original CAD file. Thus, the Validation Tool can easily become part of a quality control process to certify different revisions of data translations or to test their own or customers’ translator technology.” Kubotek Validation Tool comes as a standalone product, or the functions can be added to Kubotek’s KEYCREATOR products. The range of native and neutral file formats read is broad, covering most general customer requests. Kubotek is continuously developing the interoperability capabilities of its software products, increasing the quality and the quantity of translators available.