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Interfacing with other CAD packages and cultural differences

Interfacing with other CAD packages and cultural differences

Interfacing with other CAD packages and cultural differences

(OP)
I have to upgrade our CAD from 2D to 3D and have been looking for some time at Inventor, Solid Works and Solid Edge and to be honest all three can quite easily cope with our product range which is small rotationally symmetrical parts driven through parametrics with welding and tapered threads.

We have now been bought by a company that uses Pro/E and I have requested a demo copy for evaluation. I have a feeling that Pro/E is like using the moon to crack a nut with our requirements but there is an issue of sharing drawings/models/data.

So my question is, from those outside the company who don't have a vested ineterest in my decision, is how well does Pro/E interface with the other three packages mentioned above.

There are issues regarding 2D drawings, 3D models, parametric values, standards, conventions, etc.

It already looks like we might have an issue of '..seperated by the same language..' as the new parent company is in USA and we are British so we have issues about 1st-3rd angle projection, metric-imperial units, etc.

Any insight into either of these two issues (interfacing and different cultural standards) would be gratefully appreciated.

RE: Interfacing with other CAD packages and cultural differences

The only thing that can be sahred between systems is an non-parametric solid model. No parametrics, no drawings, no manufacturing data, etc.

As for the 'cultural' differences, someone has to bite the bullet and say these are the company global standards. We are having that issue with a plant in Europe, we are in the US and the parent. We have set up common formats with the location and 1st/3rd angle being the only differences. There is some resistence in adopting someone else's standards.

"Wildfires are dangerous, hard to control, and economically catastrophic."
"Fixed in the next release" should replace "Product First" as the PTC slogan.

Ben Loosli
CAD/CAM System Analyst
Ingersoll-Rand

RE: Interfacing with other CAD packages and cultural differences

One of our biggest difficulties in sharing models from or to a different 3d CAD system is the loss of parametrics.  It creates great difficulty in trying to modify parts after they have been shared (either STEP files or IGES).  If parts are going to change (as they frequently do), it's good to be able to change them.

Regards,
SrG.

RE: Interfacing with other CAD packages and cultural differences

How much data sharing will be required?  Unless, the parent company leverages their standards on your company I'd do a full evaluation of all major MCAD software.  But first you need to know what you want to do with the software...SLA, CAM, or FEA.  Some MCAD packages have gold partners that offer the extra analysis tools.  I don't think you could go wrong using Pro/e or SolidWorks.  I'd stay away from Inventor....MO.

Best Regards,

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SW2005 SP 2.0 & Pro/E 2001
Dell Precision 370
P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
XP Pro SP2.0
NIVIDA Quadro FX 1400
      o
  _`\(,_
(_)/ (_)

"There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea"  Bernard-Paul Heroux
 

RE: Interfacing with other CAD packages and cultural differences

What version of Pro/E are they on?  Difference in learning curve 2001 to WF?

All the programs you mention (I'd stay away from Ad$k, too) are all about the same price so "overkill" may be offset by not having to fiddle with compatibility issues.  If you were going to go with one of the ~ $1K US range of programs that might make a differnce.

(Is Pro/Desktop still around?  
What degree of interoperability does it offer?)

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