Faithful CAD data translation
CADverter, a CAD translator, has been Theorem’s flagship product for over 30 years. Theorem is CAD independent and offers support for all the major CAD systems including CATIA V5, Creo, NX, 3DEXPERIENCE, and SOLIDWORKS, as well as visualisation formats like 3DXML, JT and Creo View. CAD translation is important in many industries, but particularly the automotive and aerospace industries that Theorem predominantly works with. Not every partner and supplier working on a project will be using the same CAD system, so it’s important to have a translator that retains information from the original CAD data.
Unlike many other CAD translators, Theorem Solutions’ is built upon the CAD vendor APIs, allowing for more accurate and robust translation since the translators are not reverse engineered. All the important information is brought through including PMI, model-based definition, assembly structure, geometry, attributes, colour information, and metadata. Using the vendor APIs allows for the creation of plug-ins, so users can use the CAD translators from within their CAD system directly. This can be useful as many engineers don’t want to understand multiple formats, so being able to work within a familiar system can simplify the process.
Theorem’s translators are configurable, so users can determine what they want to translate into the new system. For example, geometry, metadata, and PMI information are all configurable options. Theorem Solutions also allows users to translate data in batch mode or automate it for use with PLM systems.
Interactive documentation
Alternatively, instead of translating from one CAD system to another, users can also go from CAD to a PDF file with Theorem Solutions’ 3D PDFs. 3D PDFs are a great way of sharing your data if you don’t want to invest in a licence for a partner’s CAD system, or if you’re working with people who don’t use a CAD system at all.
One of the main benefits of 3D PDFs is that they’re simple to share, and anyone can view them in Adobe Acrobat Reader, which most people are already familiar with and have access to. As a result, most people are willing to use PDF documents, whereas they might be less willing to work with CAD data that they don’t understand.
These 3D PDFs, when viewed with Adobe Acrobat Reader, include a 3D model taken from CAD data, which can be manipulated as you usually would, i.e. pan, zoom and rotate. Additionally, there are many other features for interacting with the model, including hiding components and exploding geometry. Plus, you can password protect a document to ensure the security of your IP.
Theorem Solutions’ 3D PDF documents allow users a lot of flexibility. The layout of the document and the information it includes is fully configurable. Users can work with Theorem to create 3D PDFs that include all the information required, for example assembly structure can be brought through from the native CAD. Plus, users can attach additional documents such as spreadsheets or 2D drawings, to ensure the information needed is all in one place.
Visualisation with Theorem-XR
The most recent addition to Theorem Solutions’ product range is Extended Reality (XR) data preparation and experiences. This involves preparing CAD data for use in augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR). AR allows for the visualisation of CAD data using a handheld device such as a smartphone or tablet, digitally placing the model within your environment. Similarly, MR allows users to visualise CAD data within your environment; however, it is in the form of a full-scale 3D hologram using a headset like the Microsoft HoloLens 2. With VR, users are immersed in a fully digital environment where they can visualise their CAD data at full scale and in context with a headset like the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift.
Theorem-XR is CAD data and device agnostic, taking most types of CAD data and preparing and optimising it for almost any XR device. This data preparation can be for use in your own internal applications or for use in Theorem’s experiences. These experiences include Visualisation, Design Review, Factory Layout, Visual Digital Twin, and Training. They are designed to be adapted to a variety of use cases, for example NCR uses Theorem’s Design Review experience to review digital protypes with teams located around the world, saving £390,000 in their first year. While Valiant TMS use Theorem’s MR software to verify clearances and detect interferences at production plants by virtually overlaying digital models, reducing the time taken for tasks that once took days down to a few hours with Theorem-XR.
XR allows for collaboration between teams who are remote or globally distributed which is common in the modern manufacturing process. This cuts down on travel time, CO2 emissions, and costs where teams would otherwise have to meet in person to view a physical model. And since XR also provides the ability to visualise the data at full scale, it helps contextualise the model which can be difficult when just viewing it on a computer screen.
Theorem Solutions’ engineering-focused software solutions enable you to extend the use of your 3D design data. We offer specialised tools in the form of our three core services: CAD translation, interactive documentation with 3D PDF and full-scale immersive collaboration with Extended Reality. If you have a use case that could benefit from these services, our team is always on hand to discuss the possibilities.
Website: https://www.theorem.com/
Email: sales@theorem.com
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.