Parasolid Interoperability

Surfware's Solid Modeling strategy is to provide intelligent data exchange with Parasolid-based CAD systems while retaining the high degree of independence and user friendliness SURFCAM users have enjoyed in the past when dealing with all forms of CAD data. This write-up defines what you can and can't expect of V2005 SP1 or later systems:

Here's what you can expect:

1. You can directly import SLDPRT & SLDASM files from SolidWorks. You can also directly import SolidEdge and/or Unigraphics x_t files, however Surfware is most concerned with and constantly striving to keep current with emerging SolidWorks releases to maintain their ranking as a SolidWorks integration partner.
2. SolidWorks users can create multiple configurations using the "Configuration Manager" facility. This allows selective feature suppression or alteration of the base model to achieve mold shrinkage, suppression of holes for mold machining, RH-LH symmetry, and the like. When SURFCAM opens a SLDPRT or SLDASM file you can choose the configuration you need for your NC programming session.
3. Since most external CAD data is not oriented correctly for machining because CAD designers & engineers have no clue what machine will be used to manufacture their model, SURFCAM's new Machining Datum feature allows you to define the machine coordinate system without moving the model. This is critical for maintaining associativity with subsequent revisions of the model because once you move or rotate the model the geometric relationship is lost.
4. SURFCAM V2004 SP1 implemented a related feature named "Parent-Child Views". This does not alter the geometry in any way, but allows you to set your Machining Datum view as the Parent view so that the standard views (Top, Front, ISO, etc.) make sense.
5. When any Parasolid file (SolidWorks, SolidEdge, Unigraphics x_t, etc.) is opened, V2005 or later systems create & store a set of internal references in the saved SCPRT file. If the Parasolid file is changed (updated, moved, or deleted) you are automatically notified when you subsequently open your SCPRT file. At this point you are presented with options to update, browse & update, or ignore the notification.
6. If you choose to update, all toolpaths affected by model changes are flagged red. The new "Update All" option at the Setup Section level allows you to reprocess all toolpaths sequentially, prompting you when a decision is needed to proceed.

Here's what you can't expect:

1. If you move or scale your model all associativity with the Parasolid CAD model is lost and you can't expect the system to know what has changed when you re-import a changed CAD model. This isn't the end of the world, but it means you will (a) need to repeat any geometry editing steps after importing a subsequent CAD model update, (b) the system cannot tell you what has/hasn't changed, and (c) you will need to re-select all geometry for all toolpaths.
2. You cannot expect to achieve the Parasolid level of associativity with non-Parasolid CAD data. This is a Surfware business decision, and from what we've been told, Surfware has no immediate plans to implement this level of interoperability with other forms of CAD data.

For more detailed information please contact our Sales Department. If they cannot answer your questions they will involve one of our Applications Engineers.