Data Interface

CimatronE 10.0 User Guide

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪i

Table of Contents
Data Interface ................................................................................................................................. 1
CimatronE Data Interface........................................................................................................... 1
How does it work?............................................................................................................ 1
Benefits ............................................................................................................................ 1
Supported Formats .......................................................................................................... 1
Data Interface Basics ................................................................................................................. 2
Data Interface Basics ....................................................................................................... 2
CimatronE 10.0 Import/Export Capabilities at a Glance .................................................. 2
Working in Data Interface........................................................................................................... 4
Working in Data Interface................................................................................................. 4
Import Operations ............................................................................................................ 4
Export Operations ..........................................................................................................13
Progress Bar & Interruption............................................................................................21
Data Interface Functions ..........................................................................................................21
Data Interface Functions ................................................................................................21
CATIA.............................................................................................................................22
DWF ...............................................................................................................................29
DXF/DWG ......................................................................................................................31
Fikus...............................................................................................................................43
IGES...............................................................................................................................45
Inventor ..........................................................................................................................51
Parasolid ........................................................................................................................53
PDF ................................................................................................................................56
PFM................................................................................................................................58
Pro/E ..............................................................................................................................62
SAT ................................................................................................................................65
SolidWorks .....................................................................................................................71
STEP ..............................................................................................................................73
STL.................................................................................................................................77
STRAK ...........................................................................................................................81
Unigraphics ....................................................................................................................83
VDA ................................................................................................................................85
VRML .............................................................................................................................89
Index .............................................................................................................................................93
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪1

Data Interface
CimatronE Data Interface
CAD/CAM systems are in use today in increasing numbers for applications covering all
phases of products design, analysis, manufacturing and testing. As users in each of these
stages may use systems supplied by different vendors, there is a need for data to be
exchanged digitally between these systems.
CimatronE performs accurate and rapid data translations, allowing you to start working
as soon as you receive the part from the customer. CimatronE imports and exports all
standard CAD files, it can also read and write native files of common CAD systems.
Intelligent translation, error-checking and problem resolution algorithms, optimize
translation integrity and richness. These techniques improve translation speed and
accuracy while giving you optimal control over the various formats.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.

How does it work?

• Data translators for standard CAD formats: DWG, DXF, IGES, STEP, VDA,
Parasolid, SAT (ACIS) and STL.
• Data translators for native files of Catia, Pro/Engineer, Solidworks, Siemens NX*
and Inventor.
• Import relevant Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) from Catia and
Pro/Engineer.
• Start working immediately, no matter what the quality of the geometry, by
automatically fixing invalid entities.
• Save import settings for reuse when importing a similar file. In Cimatron's Data
Interface operations, this is the ability to create customized parameter sets, where
import or export settings are based on specific parameter values (a sort of DI
template). This saves time by allowing you to predefine and save parameter
values for certain import or export operations, and then enabling you to "recall"
these parameter values by selecting the appropriate setting.

Benefits
• Work starts as soon as you get the part from the customer.
• Effective handling of any standard CAD file.
• Direct communication with customers who use other CAD systems.

Supported Formats
CATIA Inventor SAT VDA
DWF Parasolid SolidWorks VRML
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪2

DXF / DWG PDF STEP

Fikus PFM STL
IGES Pro/E Unigraphics
What would you like to do?
ƒ Import a file from a different format
ƒ Export a file to a different format
ƒ Learn about CimatronE's Import / Export Capabilities at a Glance
ƒ Learn about Data Interface Basics
ƒ Learn about working in Data Interface
ƒ Learn about Data Interface Functions

Data Interface Basics

Data Interface Basics
Enter the Data Interface conversion dialogs by using the Import or Export
icons in the main toolbar or by selecting the Import or Export options under File in the
menu bar.
CimatronE imports and exports all standard CAD files, it can also read and write native
files of common CAD systems.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
What would you like to do?
ƒ Import a file from a different format
ƒ Export a file to a different format
ƒ Learn about CimatronE's Import / Export Capabilities at a Glance
ƒ Learn about Data Interface Basics
ƒ Learn about working in Data Interface
ƒ Learn about Data Interface Functions

CimatronE 10.0 Import/Export Capabilities at a Glance

File Type CAD to CimatronE Environments

CAD
Version(s)
Supported*
Part Assembly Drafting
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪3

Import Export Import Export Import Export

CATIA V4 CATIA: √ √ N/A N/A X X

(*.*) 4.1.9 to
4.2.4
CATIA V5 CATIA: √ √ √ √ X X
(*.CATPart / V5 R2 to
*.CATProduct) R20
DWF (*.dwf / X √ X X X √
*.dwfx)
DWG (*.dwg) √ √ N/A N/A √ √
DXF (*.dxf) √ √ N/A N/A √ √
Fikus App X √ N/A N/A N/A N/A
(*.c2f)
IGES (*.iges / √ √ √ √ √ √
*.igs)
Inventor (*.ipt) Inventor: √ X X X N/A N/A
6 to 12,
2009 to
2011
Parasolid Parasolid: √ √ √ √ N/A N/A
(*.x_t / R10.0 to
*.xmt_txt) R22.0
PDF (*.pdf) X X X X X √
PFM (*.pfm) CimatronIT: √ √ √ X √ √
9 to 13
Pro/E Pro/E: √ X √ X X X
(*.prt / *.asm / 16 to
*.neu) Wildfire 5
SAT (*.sat / SAT: √ √ √ √ N/A N/A
*.saa) Up to R21
SolidWorks SolidWorks: √ X √ X N/A N/A
(*.sldprt, 98 to 2011
*.sldasm)
STEP (*.stp / √ √ √ √ X X
*.step)
STL (*.stl) √ √ N/A N/A N/A N/A
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪4

STRAK √ X N/A N/A N/A N/A

(*.strak)
Unigraphics Unigraphics: √ X √ X X X
(*.prt) UG11 to
UG18,
NX to
NX7.x
VDA (*.vda) √ √ N/A N/A N/A N/A
VRML (*.wrl) X √ N/A N/A N/A N/A
√ - Import/Export is supported by this application.
X - Import/Export is not supported by this application.
N/A - Import/Export is not applicable for this application.
* - The CAD to CAD supported version numbers are updated to the official release of
CimatronE 10.0. Cimatron may release updates (service packs, patches, etc.) between
official releases which may change the supported version numbers. To obtain the latest
information, contact your Cimatron Provider.
Notes:
• Files exported from CimatronE do not include NC data. To transfer NC
information to the PFM (Cimatron IT) format, use NC templates. These are
external files that can be recognized by CimatronE and Cimatron IT.
• Files imported from the PFM (Cimatron IT) format do include NC data.

Working in Data Interface

Working in Data Interface
The following links provide additional information for working in the Data Interface
environment:
Import File Operations
Export File Operations
Progress Bar & Interruption
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.

Import Operations

Import Operations
Import operations include:
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪5

• Importing parts from other CimatronE files into the currently open file.
• Importing specific geometric entities from within other CimatronE files into the
currently open file.
• Import Sets and M-Views from previously defined templates into the currently
open file.
• Importing files from external file formats using the Data Interface Import
mechanism. In this case, see also:
o Importing from external file formats
o Batch file importing
o The import dialog
o Advanced import parameters
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For information regarding associativity in import/export operations in the Part
application, see Associativity.
The Import options available depend upon the type of file currently open and the method
you use to access the import function. The following table summaries the options:
Current File Import Selection Import Option
Method
None File > Import From External File :
Create New File
*
Part File > Import From External File :
Create New File
To Current File
From Part
Parametric Import
Geometry
From Template
*
Assembly ** File > Import From External File :
Create New File
From Template
*
Drafting File > Import From External File :
Create New File
From Template
*
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪6

NC File > Import From Template

* If you used the button to enter the function, the interaction is that of From External
File.
** In an Assembly, if a part component is activated, the import options are the same as
those of Part.

Import From External File

Import a file from an external file format into a CimatronE file.

General Interaction
To import a file from an external file format into a CimatronE file:
1. In the menu bar, select File > Import > From External File.
2. Select one of the following options:
Create Import a file from another file format into a new CimatronE file.
New The import interaction is as detailed below.
File
After the part has been converted to the CimatronE format, it is placed in a new file
positioned according to the default UCS of the new file.
To Import a file from another file format into an open CimatronE file. This option is grayed
Current out if there are no files open.
File The open CimatronE file must either be a Part file or an Assembly file with a part
component activated (if an assembly is active, this option is grayed out). If more than one
file is open, the file is imported into the currently active file.
The initial import interaction is as detailed below, with the exception that some of the
parameters are grayed out.

After the part has been converted to the CimatronE format, it is placed in the open file
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪7

(the active window, if multiple files are open) and positioned according to the UCS of the
active object.
After this stage, the Import Feature Guide is displayed and the interaction is the same as
for Importing a Part.
3. The Import dialog is displayed. Continue with the import process.
Notes:
• For additional import and export operations see Data Interface.
• For information regarding associativity in import/export operations in the Part
application, see Associativity.

Importing Files in Batch Mode

Import files in batch mode.
Note: For information regarding associativity in import/export operations in the Part
application, see Associativity.
Files, of mixed file types, can be listed in a batch file (.bch) and imported into CimatronE
in one operation.

Interaction
1. Create an ASCII text file listing the full path names of the files to be imported.
These files may be of mixed file types (IGES, CATIA, etc.).
For example:

2. Save the file with the file name suffix .bch.

3. At the Import dialog, browse to the appropriate directory and select the required
batch (.bch) file. The file type in the Files of Type field is not important as the
batch files are displayed, if they exist.
For example:
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪8

4. Press OK .
5. The following messages are displayed to inform you of the import conversion
progress.

6. When all the files have been converted, an appropriate message is displayed.
For example:

Import Dialog
Import a file from an external file format into a CimatronE file. Whether you choose to
import into a new CimatronE file or into the currently open CimatronE file, the Import
dialog is displayed.
There are a number of ways of importing files into CimatronE:
• Selecting individual or multiple files of the same file type (IGES, CATIA, etc.).
• From a batch file (.bch) which lists the full path names of the files to be imported.
These files may be of mixed file types.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪9

Notes:
ƒ In Microsoft Windows 2000, the close dialog button is not displayed. Exit the
dialog using the Cancel Button .
ƒ When another file is currently open, any file type (Modeling, Drafting or NC) can
be imported.
ƒ For information regarding associativity in import/export operations in the Part
application, see Associativity.
The Import dialog is shown below:

Notes:
• To define default conversion settings, use the Data Interface Preferences.
Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as a short cut
to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.
• Press the Save Settings button to create customized parameter sets. This
saves time by allowing you to predefine and save parameter values for certain
import or export operations, and then enabling you to "recall" these parameter
values by selecting the appropriate setting.
• The Expand button displays an extension of the Import dialog that shows
additional conversion parameters.
This dialog extension contains two tabs:
General: which displays general file conversion parameters.
Parameters: which displays file conversion parameters that are specific to the
file type being converted.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪10

Import Interaction
1. Choose the type of file to import from the Files of Type field. Available options
are shown below:

2. Browse to the appropriate directory and select the required file.

Multiple files of the same file type (IGES, PFM, SAT, etc.) can also be selected.
Single file selection:

Multiple file selection:

3. Set the output file name and the destination path (browse to the directory where
you wish to save the required file).
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪11

4. For Import settings, either accept the default parameter values, or select an import
setting (with predefined parameter values) from the dropdown menu, or create
your own import setting.

5. Either: press OK to accept the default (or selected Import setting)

parameters and to import the file.

Or: press the Expand button to display an extension of the Import dialog that
shows additional conversion parameters.
6. Define the parameters and, if required save the parameter settings in a new
Import setting, and then press OK .
7. In specific cases (depending on which files types you import), the File
Information dialog is displayed.
This dialog displays relevant information about the imported file.
8. To automatically open imported files at the end of import operations, select the
Open Created File box in the Data Interface Preferences. If this box is
unselected, the imported file is not automatically opened.

Advanced Import
The Expand button displays an extension of the Import dialog that shows additional
conversion parameters. This displays the Advanced dialog.
This dialog extension contains two tabs:
General: which displays general file conversion parameters.
Parameters: which displays file conversion parameters that are specific to the file type
being converted. By default, this tab is displayed initially.
Notes:
• For explanations of parameters in the Advanced dialog, see the appropriate file
type dialog (for example IGES Import, SAT Import, etc.).
• To define default conversion settings, use the Data Interface Preferences.
Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as a short cut
to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.
• Press the Save Settings button to create customized parameter sets. This
saves time by allowing you to predefine and save parameter values for certain
import or export operations, and then enabling you to "recall" these parameter
values by selecting the appropriate setting.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪12

• Pressing the Expand button displays the additional parameters and also
toggles the Expand button to the Collapse button . Press the Collapse button
to hide the additional parameters.
• For information regarding associativity in import/export operations in the Part
application, see Associativity.
The Advanced dialog, showing the conversion parameters under the Parameters tab.

The Advanced dialog, showing the conversion parameters under the General tab.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪13

Export Operations

Export File Operations

Export operations include:
• Exporting entities from the currently open CimatronE file to a new Part file.
• Exporting the currently open CimatronE file to a NC file.
• Exporting a Part and Assembly file to the Drafting environment.
• Exporting files or specific entities within the currently open CimatronE file to
external file formats using the Data Interface Import mechanism. In this case,
see also:
o Exporting to external file formats
o The Export dialog
o Advanced export parameters
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For information regarding associativity in import/export operations in the Part
application, see Associativity.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪14

The Export options available depend upon the type of file currently open and the method
you use to access the export function. The following table summaries the options:
Current File Export Selection Export Option
Method
None File > Export To External File :
Select File
To Drafting-Single/Multi
*

Part File > Export To External File :

Select File
Pick Entities
To New Part
To NC
To Drafting-Single/Multi
*

Assembly File > Export To External File :

Select File
Pick Entities
To NC
To Drafting-Single/Multi
*

Drafting File > Export To External File :

Select File
To Drafting-Single/Multi
*

* If you used the button to enter the function, the interaction is that of To External
File / Select File.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪15

Export To External File

Export To External File
Export a CimatronE file, or specific entities within a file, to an external file format.
Notes:
• For additional import and export operations see Data Interfaces.
• For information regarding associativity in import/export operations in the Part
application, see Associativity.

General Interaction
If a Part or Assembly file is currently open, the following Export to File options are
displayed:
Select File
Pick Entities
If no file is currently open, or if a Drafting file is open, only Select File is available.

If you used the button to enter the function, the interaction is that of Select File.

Select File
Export another file(s) to an external file format.
1. The CimatronE Explorer is displayed. Choose the file to be exported (pick the file
and press the Select button, or double-click on the chosen file).
Multiple files can also be selected and exported to the same file type (IGES, PFM,
SAT, etc.).

2. The Export dialog is displayed. Continue with the export process.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪16

Pick Entities
Pick entities to export from the currently open CimatronE file.
The Export Feature Guide is displayed if you select the option Pick Entities.
The following is the Feature Guide for Export.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the entities to be exported.

Export to External File

Options and Results (Pick Entities)

Export picked entities from the currently open file to an external file format. The Export
Feature Guide is displayed if you select the option Pick Entities.

Required Step 1
Select the entities to be exported to a new file. The available options are:
Entities Selection
Whole Model

Entities Selection
Export selected entities from the currently open file to an external file format.
1. Pick the entities in the currently open file that you wish to export.

2. Press OK ( ) in the Export Feature Guide.

3. The Export dialog is displayed. Continue with the export process.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪17

Whole Model
Export the whole model from the currently open file to an external file format.

1. Press OK ( ) in the Export Feature Guide.

2. The Export dialog is displayed. Continue with the export process.

Export Dialog
Export CimatronE files, or specific entities within files, to external file formats. Whether
you choose to export a CimatronE file (Select File option) or pick entities to export from
the currently open CimatronE file, the Export dialog is displayed.
Notes:
ƒ If you are working with multiple files / dependent files (such as Assemblies),
remember to set the Update Mode.
ƒ In Microsoft Windows ® 2000, the close dialog button is not displayed. Exit
the dialog using the Cancel Button .
ƒ When another file is currently open, only a modeling file can be exported.
ƒ For information regarding associativity in import/export operations in the Part
application, see Associativity.
The Export Modeling dialog is shown below:

When the Image button is pressed, the Export dialog displays an image of the file you
wish to convert (click on the dialog for explanations
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪18

Notes:
• To define default conversion settings, use the Data Interface Preferences.
Press the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as a short cut
to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• Press the Save Settings button to create customized parameter sets. This
saves time by allowing you to predefine and save parameter values for certain
import or export operations, and then enabling you to "recall" these parameter
values by selecting the appropriate setting.
• The Expand button displays an extension of the Export dialog that shows
additional conversion parameters.
This dialog extension contains two tabs:
General: which displays general file conversion parameters.
Parameters: which displays file conversion parameters that are specific to the
file type being converted.

Export Interaction
1. Choose the type of file to export from the Files of Type field. Available options
are shown below (the export options differ, depending on whether you are
exporting a Modeling or a Drafting file):
Export Modeling File Types Export Drafting File Types
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪19

2. Browse to the directory where you wish to save the required file.
3. For Export settings, either accept the default parameter values, or select an export
setting (with predefined parameter values) from the dropdown list, or create your
own export setting.

4. Either: press OK to accept the default (or selected Export setting)

parameters and to export the file.

Or: press the Expand button to display an extension of the Export dialog that
shows additional conversion parameters.
5. Define the parameters and, if required save the parameter settings in a new
Export setting, and then press OK .

Advanced Export
The Expand button displays an extension of the Export dialog that shows additional
conversion parameters. This displays the Advanced dialog. The Advanced dialog for
Export Modeling and Export Drafting is different; Drafting can be exported to the
following file types: PFM, IGES, DXF and DWG.
This dialog extension contains two tabs:
General: which displays general file conversion parameters.
Parameters: which displays file conversion parameters that are specific to the file type
being converted.
Notes:
• For explanations of parameters in the Advanced dialog, see the appropriate file
type dialog (for example IGES Export, SAT Export, etc.).
• To define default conversion settings, use the Data Interface Preferences.
Press the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as a short cut
to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• Press the Save Settings button to create customized parameter sets. This
saves time by allowing you to predefine and save parameter values for certain
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪20

import or export operations, and then enabling you to "recall" these parameter
values by selecting the appropriate setting.
• Pressing the Expand button displays the additional parameters and also
toggles the Expand button to the Collapse button . Press the Collapse button
to hide the additional parameters.
• For information regarding associativity in import/export operations in the Part
application, see Associativity.
The Advanced dialog, showing the conversion parameters under the Parameters tab.

The Advanced dialog, showing the conversion parameters under the General tab.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪21

Progress Bar & Interruption

In the following conversion formats, a progress bar is displayed at the bottom of the
CimatronE window:
• CATIA V4
• CATIA V5
• Inventor
• Parasolid
• Pro/E
• SolidWorks
• Unigraphics
In these conversion formats, while the progress bar is displayed, you can interrupt the
conversion process by pressing the ESC key. In this case, an appropriate warning
message is displayed enabling you to either stop the operation or to continue it.

Data Interface Functions

Data Interface Functions
The following file formats are recognized by the CimatronE Data Interface utility:
CATIA
DWF
DXF / DWG
Fikus
IGES
Inventor
Parasolid
PDF
PFM
Pro/E
SAT
SolidWorks
STEP
STL
STRAK
Unigraphics
VDA
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪22

VRML
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.

CATIA

CATIA
Import and export files in the CATIA V3, CATIA V4, and CATIA V5 (see below for
CATIA file suffixes) formats to/from CimatronE.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
The CimatronE CATIA V4 Utility handles files with the following suffixes:
• without any extension
• .model
• .mdl
• .cat
• .mod
• .dlv3
• .dlv4
• .dlv
• .exp
The CimatronE CATIA V5 Utility handles files with the following suffixes:
• .CATPart
• .CATProduct
CimatronE automatically recognizes the CATIA native file by checking its header,
irrespective of the file extension.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is CATIA?
CATIA is a CAD/CAM/CAE system developed by Dassault Systemes.
CATIA stands for Computer-Graphics Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application.

CATIA Import
CATIA Import
Convert CATIA files into the CimatronE format.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪23

The following types of CATIA files can be converted:

CATIA V4
CATIA V5
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.

CATIA V4 Import
Convert (import) CATIA V4 files into the CimatronE format.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
To import a CATIA V4 file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters
specific to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button
is pressed in the Import dialog).
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.
• During the conversion operation, a progress bar is displayed and the conversion
can be interrupted.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪24

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for importing CATIA V4 files into the
CimatronE format.

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

CATIA V5 Import
Convert (import) CATIA V5 files into the CimatronE format.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
To import a CATIA V5 file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters
specific to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button
is pressed in the Import dialog).
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.
• During the conversion operation, a progress bar is displayed and the conversion
can be interrupted.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪25

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for importing CATIA V5 files into the
CimatronE format.

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪26

CATIA Export
CATIA Export
Convert CimatronE files into Catia files.
The following types of Catia files can be created:
Catia V4
Catia V5
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.

CATIA V4 Export
Convert (export) CimatronE files into CATIA V4 files.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
To export to a CATIA V4 file, follow the general export interaction. The parameters
specific to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button
is pressed in the Export dialog).
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Use the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• During the conversion operation, a progress bar is displayed and the conversion
can be interrupted.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪27

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for exporting CimatronE files into CATIA V4
files.

To export a file follow the general export interaction.

CATIA V5 Export
Convert (export) CimatronE files into CATIA V5 files.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪28

To export to a CATIA V5 file, follow the general export interaction. The parameters
specific to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button
is pressed in the Export dialog).
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Use the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• During the conversion operation, a progress bar is displayed and the conversion
can be interrupted.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for exporting CimatronE files into CATIA V5
files.

To export a file follow the general export interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪29

DWF

DWF
Export files in the DWF format (*.dwf, dwfx) from CimatronE.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
What is DWF?DWF (Design Web Format) is a file format developed by Autodesk, Inc.
for the distribution and communication of design data to recipients who need to view,
review, or print design files.

DWF Export
Convert (export) CimatronE files into DWF or DWFx files.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: The Export & Email function enables you to convert a CimatronE file into the
DWF format and to email the resulting DWF file as an attachment.
To export to a DWF file, follow the general export interaction. The parameters specific to
this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Export dialog).
Note: To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Use the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as a short
cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
When exporting to DWF, the Advanced dialog for Export Modeling and Export Drafting
is different.

Export Modeling
General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪30

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for exporting CimatronE files into DWF files.
Currently, there are no specific parameters.

Export Drafting
This dialog displays parameters specific to exporting drafting files to DWF.

To export a file follow the general export interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪31

DXF/DWG

DXF / DWG
Import and export files in the DXF and DWG formats (*.dxf or *.dwg) to/from
CimatronE.
CimatronE also supports 3D solid DXF / DWG entity types.
Part files, including geometric entities, dimensions and kinds of annotation, levels,
masters and their instances, may all be transferred between Cimatron and other systems
in the DXF and DWG formats, developed by Autodesk, Inc.
Due to the similarity of the two formats, the conversion interaction to/from Cimatron is
identical. This Online Help, therefore, applies to both the formats, DXF and DWG.
Wherever DXF is mentioned, it is synonymous with DWG.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is DWG?
DWG (Drawing file) is a native binary data format developed by Autodesk, Inc. to store
AutoCAD® drawing data.
What is DXF?
DXF (Drawing Interchange Format file) is an industry standard neutral data format
developed by Autodesk, Inc. that enables digital exchange of information between
AutoCAD® and other CAD/CAM systems. All AutoCAD® implementations accept the
ASCII DXF format and are able to convert it to and from their internal drawing file
(DWG) representation.
How Does it Work?
The databases of CAD/CAM systems from different vendors are often incompatible with
one another. For example, an arc on one system may be defined by its center, diameter
start angle and end angle, while on another system an arc may be defined by a center
point, start point and end point. DXF solves this problem by providing a common format
for the digital exchange of database information that is independent of all CAD/CAM
systems.
Translators convert a proprietary internal database format into a neutral DXF format and
from the DXF format into another vendor's internal database. These translators (pre- and
post-processors) are normally supplied as part of a vendor's product.
For additional information regarding DXF, see the DXF File Format.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪32

DXF File Format

DXF File Format
This section contains a brief overview of the DXF format supported by Cimatron. For
further information, refer to the AutoCAD® Customization Manual.
Cimatron supports the ASCII (American National Code for Information Interchange) text
file DXF format. This format allows any ASCII text editor to read and modify DXF files.
The DXF ASCII file contains the following four sections:
- HEADER
- TABLES
- BLOCKS
- ENTITIES
Each section begins with a header, and ends with ENDSEC (end of section). The DXF
ASCII file ends with EOF (end of file).
DXF File Syntax
Group Code Assignment
An example of the ASCII DXF file format is shown below:
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪33

DXF File Format - HEADER

The HEADER section of the DXF file contains AutoCAD® system variable information
associated with the drawing.
Each variable in the header section is introduced by the group code 9, giving the
variable's name, as shown below.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪34

DXF File Format - TABLES

The TABLES section of the DXF file contains AutoCAD® tables associated with the
drawing. The following tables may be included:
• APPID (not translated by Cimatron).

• DIMSTYLE (not translated by Cimatron).

• LTYPE - definition of line-types used.

• LAYER - definition of layers used.

• STYLE - fonts or shapes.

• UCS - user's coordinate system.

• VIEW (not translated by Cimatron).

• VPORT (not translated by Cimatron).

Table order may vary, but the LTYPE table must always precede the LAYER table.
Each table section begins with a table header, followed by a variable number of table
entries, as shown in below. The end of each table is indicated by ENDTAB (end of table).
Each table entry begins with group code 0, identifying the table type, followed by group
code 2, giving the name of the entry.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪35

DXF File Format - BLOCKS

The BLOCKS section of the DXF file contains all AutoCAD® BLOCK definitions
associated with the drawing. Each BLOCK is introduced by a header, as shown below.
The header is followed by entities that make up the BLOCK. The end of each BLOCK is
indicated by ENDBLK (end of block).
BLOCK definitions are never nested, i.e. no BLOCK and ENDBLK pair ever appears
within another BLOCK and ENDBLK pair. Entities in BLOCK sections are identical to
those in the entities section. Each entity begins with the group code 0.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪36
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪37

DXF File Format - ENTITIES

The ENTITIES section of the DXF file contains all AutoCAD® entities associated with
the drawing.
Each entity begins with the group code 0, as shown below.

DXF File Group Code Assignment

DXF file items (variables, table entries and entities) are described by a group that
introduces the item, followed by sequence of groups that supply information associated
with the item.
Group code assignment depends on the item being described. For more information about
group code assignment, refer to the AutoCAD® Customization Manual.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪38

DXF File Syntax

The DXF file is composed of groups, each of which contains two lines: a group code,
followed by a group value.
The group code is a positive integer which specifies the format of the group value.
The group value consists of a string of up to 256 characters, and is derived from the
group code.

DXF Group Codes

The specific assignment of group codes depends on the item being described in the file.
However, the type of the value this group supplies is derived from the group code in the
following way:

Group Codes are used both to indicate the type of the value of the group, as explained
earlier, and to indicate the general use of the group. The specific function of the group
code depends on the actual variable, table item, or entity description. The following table
indicates the general use of groups, noting as "fixed" any that always have the same
function.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪39

DXF / DWG Import

Convert (import) DXF or DWG files into the CimatronE format. DXF/DWG attributes
are mapped to Cimatron attributes using specific rules.
To import a DXF/DWG file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters
specific to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button
is pressed in the Import dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪40

Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.
• Inserts are assigned unique sets.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for importing DXF or DWG files into the
CimatronE format.

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪41

DXF / DWG Export

Convert (export) CimatronE files into DXF or DWG files. Cimatron attributes are
mapped to DXF/DWG attributes using specific rules.
To export to a DXF/DWG file, follow the general export interaction. The parameters
specific to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button
is pressed in the Export dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Use the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as a short
cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
When exporting to DXF/DWG, the Advanced dialog for Export Modeling and Export
Drafting is different.

Export Modeling
General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters. For DXF and DWG, the parameters
in this tab are the same.

Parameters Tab
For DXF and DWG, the parameters in this tab are different.
DXF
This tab displays parameters specifically for exporting CimatronE files into DXF files.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪42

DWG
This tab displays parameters specifically for exporting CimatronE files into DWG files.

Export Drafting
DXF
This dialog displays parameters specific to exporting drafting files to DXF.

DWG
This dialog displays parameters specific to exporting drafting files to DWG.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪43

To export a file follow the general export interaction.

Fikus

Fikus Application (DI)

Export files in the Fikus Application format (*.c2f) from CimatronE.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is the Fikus Application?
Fikus is the Cimatron WireEDM Application.

Fikus Application Export

Convert (export) CimatronE files into Fikus files.
To export to a Fikus file, follow the general export interaction. The parameters specific
to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Export dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Use the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as a short
cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪44

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for exporting CimatronE files into Fikus files.

To export a file follow the general export interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪45

IGES

IGES
Import and export files in the IGES format (*.igs or *.iges) to/from CimatronE.
Part files, including geometric entities, dimensions and kinds of annotation, levels, views,
masters and their instances, may all be transferred between CimatronE and other systems
in the IGES format, approved by the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(N.I.S.T.) of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is IGES?
IGES, the Initial Graphics Exchange Specification, defines a neutral data format that
enables the digital exchange of information between CAD/CAM systems.
How Does it Work?
The databases of CAD/CAM systems from different vendors are often incompatible with
one another. For example, an arc on one system may be defined by its center, its diameter
start angle and end angle, while on another system an arc may be defined by a center
point, start point and end point. IGES solves this problem by providing a common format
for the digital exchange of database information that is independent of all CAD/CAM
systems.
Translators convert a proprietary internal database format into a neutral IGES format and
from the IGES format into another vendor's internal database. These translators (pre- and
post-processors), are normally supplied as part of a vendor's product.
For additional information regarding IGES, see the IGES File Format.

IGES File Format

IGES File Format
Cimatron supports only the fixed-length ASCII (American Standard Code for
Information Interchange) format, which stores information in records of 80 characters.
This format can be read and modified by any ASCII text editor.
The IGES file is a fixed-length ASCII file with five required sections;
Start Section
Global Section
Directory Entry Section
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪46

Parameter Data Section

Terminate Section
The sections must always appear in the same order.

IGES File Format: Start Section

The start section is an unformatted prologue to the IGES file that is used to indicate
certain conventions within the file (for example, what type of information is included in a
specific group of layers). All records in the section have the letter S in Column 73 and a
sequence number in Columns 74 through 80. The information in Column 1 through 72
need not be formatted in any special way except that the ASCII character set must be
used.
The IGES specification does not contain any recommendations regarding the use of this
section. Note that several CAD systems do not allow the user to write information to this
section.
An example of the start section is given below:
Cimatron Iges convertor S 1

IGES File Format: Global Section

The global section contains information such as product identification, number
representation, author of the model that the IGES file represents, CAD system and IGES
translator version.
All records in the section have the letter G in Column 73 and a sequence number in
Columns 74 through 80.
String constants are written in Hollerith form which consists of #Hstring, where # is an
unsigned integer which gives the number of characters in string.
Blanks, parameter delimiters and record delimiters are counted as characters. For
example, in the entry 27HE:\UDD\ZIVA\test\angle2.igs, there are 27 characters
following the H.
There is no limit to the number of characters in any field, or the number of lines, however
ASCII control characters cannot be used.

IGES File Format: Directory Entry Section

The directory entry section has one directory entry for each entity in the file. The entry
for each entity is fixed in size and contains twenty fields of eight characters each, spread
across two consecutive eighty character lines. The purposes of the Directory Entry
Section are to provide an index for the file and to contain attribute information for each
entity.
The table below gives an abbreviated listing of the fields making up the directory entry
for each entity.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪47

IGES File Format: Parameter Data Section

The parameter data section of the file contains the parameter data associated with each
entity.
Parameter data are placed in free format with the first field always containing the entity
type number. Therefore, the entity type number and a parameter delimiter precede
parameters of each entity.
The free format part of a parameter line ends in Column 64.
Column 65 contains a blank.
Columns 66 through 72 on all parameter lines contain the sequence number of the first
line in the directory entry of the entity for which parameter data is being presented.
Column 73 of all lines in the parameter section contains the letter P.
Columns 74 through 80 contain the sequence number.
For example:

IGES File Format: Terminate Section

The last line in the file is the terminate section, which contains totals of the lines in each
of the preceding sections.
The terminate section is divided into ten fields of eight columns each, and cannot contain
more than one line.
The Terminate Section has a "T" in Column 73.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪48

Columns 74 through 80 contain a sequence number with a value of one.

For example:

IGES Import
Convert (import) IGES files into the CimatronE format. The IGES start-section
information may be saved to a file.
To import an IGES file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters specific to
this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Import dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.
• Groups and Subfigure Instances are assigned unique sets.
• When importing an IGES file using the Visi Import Setting (Flavor), a part file is
created for each set in the IGES file. These part files are included in a CimatronE
assembly file.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪49

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for importing IGES files into the CimatronE
format.

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

IGES Export
Convert (export) CimatronE files into IGES files.
To export to an IGES file, follow the general export interaction. The parameters specific
to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Export dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Use the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as a short
cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
When exporting to IGES, the Advanced dialog for Export Modeling and Export Drafting
is different.

Export Modeling
General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪50

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for exporting CimatronE files into IGES files.

Export Drafting
This dialog displays parameters specific to exporting drafting files to IGES.
F or a description of the parameters, click on the relevant parameter in the dialog below:

Note: In IGES Export Drafting, the Export Drafting as: 2D parameter option is not
available in the CimatronE 64-Bit Edition.

To export a file follow the general export interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪51

Inventor

Inventor
Import files in the Inventor format (*.ipt, *.iam) to CimatronE.
CimatronE supports the following Inventor formats:
*.ipt Part files
*.iam Assembly files

For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE

(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is Inventor?
Autodesk Inventor is a 3D-CAD modeling package developed by Autodesk, Inc.

Inventor Import
Convert (import) Inventor files into the CimatronE format.
To import an Inventor file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters
specific to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button
is pressed in the Import dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.
• Inserts are assigned unique sets.
• During the conversion operation, a progress bar is displayed and the conversion
can be interrupted.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪52

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for importing Inventor files into the CimatronE
format. Currently, there are no specific parameters.

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪53

Parasolid

Parasolid
Import and export files in the Parasolid format (*.x_t, or *.xmt_txt) to/from CimatronE.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is Parasolid?
Parasolid is a geometric modeler supporting solid modeling, generalized cellular
modeling and integrated freeform surface/sheet modeling.
Parasolid is developed by EDS.
How Does it Work?
Parasolid is supplied as a library of object-oriented functions.

Parasolid Import
Convert (import) Parasolid files into the CimatronE format.
To import a Parasolid file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters specific
to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Import dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.
• During the conversion operation, a progress bar is displayed and the conversion
can be interrupted.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪54

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for importing Parasolid files into the
CimatronE format.

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪55

Parasolid Export
Convert (export) CimatronE files into Parasolid files.
To export to a Parasolid file, follow the general export interaction. The parameters
specific to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button
is pressed in the Export dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Use the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• During the conversion operation, a progress bar is displayed and the conversion
can be interrupted.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for exporting CimatronE files into Parasolid
files.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪56

To export a file follow the general export interaction.

PDF

PDF
Export files in the PDF format (*.pdf) from CimatronE.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is PDF?
Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file format created by Adobe® Systems in 1993
for document exchange. PDF is used for representing documents in a manner
independent of the application software, hardware and operating system. This format
provides a page-by-page view of documents, exactly as they appear in their printed form,
as well as allowing keyword search. However, in a departure from their use as "online
versions of printed documents", 3D models can now also be embedded (and manipulated,
e.g. rotated) in PDF documents with Adobe Acrobat® using various data formats.
Adobe Reader® is required to view PDF files and can be downloaded from Adobe's
website.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪57

PDF Export
Convert (export) CimatronE Drafting files into PDF files.
To export to a PDF file, follow the general export interaction. The parameters specific to
this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Export dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Use the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as a short
cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.

Export Drafting
This dialog displays parameters specific to exporting drafting files to PDF.

To export a file follow the general export interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪58

PFM

PFM
Import and export files in the Cimatron IT format (*.pfm) to/from CimatronE.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is PFM?
PFM is the native file format for Cimatron IT, the predecessor of CimatronE.

PFM Import
Convert (import) PFM files (the native Cimatron IT format) into the CimatronE format.
To import a PFM file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters specific to
this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Import dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.
• Groups and Instances are assigned unique sets.
• If the color of objects in imported PFM files are not identical to the colors in the
original PFM file:
1. Copy the Cimatron IT ColorMap.dat file that was used to color the
objects in the original PFM file.
Copy the ColorMap.dat file from the Cimatron IT directory:
<cimatron_IT_root>\var\profiles\<login_name>
to the CimatronE directory:
\Cimatron\CimatronE\Program\IT\var.
2. In the Parameters tab, set the Translate Colors By parameter to RGB.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪59

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specific to this operation.

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

PFM Export
Convert (export) CimatronE files into PFM files (the native Cimatron IT format).
To export to a PFM file, follow the general export interaction. The parameters specific to
this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Export dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪60

Note: To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Use the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as a short
cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
When exporting to PFM, the Advanced dialog for Export Modeling and Export Drafting
is different.

Export Modeling
General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for exporting CimatronE files into PFM files.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪61

Export Drafting
This dialog displays parameters specific to exporting drafting files to PFM.

Notes:
• CimatronE 2.1 part files exported as PFM can only be read by Cimatron IT
version 11.
• CimatronE 3 part files exported as PFM can only be read by Cimatron IT version
12.
• CimatronE 4 (or later) part files can be exported to any version of PFM by using
the parameter Save PFM version.
• Files exported from CimatronE do not include NC data. To transfer NC
information to the Cimatron IT format, use NC templates. These are external
files that can be recognized by CimatronE and Cimatron IT.
• PFM Export Drafting is not available in the CimatronE 64-Bit Edition.

To export a file follow the general export interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪62

Pro/E

Pro/E
Import files in the Pro/E format (*.prt, *.asm or *.neu) to CimatronE.
CimatronE supports the following Pro/E formats:
*.prt Part files
*.asm Assembly files
*.neu Neutral format files

For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE

(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Notes:
• PRO/E files usually use the extensions *.prt.<n> and *.asm.<n> (where <n> is
the number). We can also read PRO/E files with only the extension *.prt (the
same extension as Unigraphics).
• For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
Surface and curve entities may be converted from the Pro/E format to a CimatronE file.
What is Pro/E?
Pro/E is short for Pro/ENGINEER which is produced by Parametric Technology
Corporation (PTC).
How Does it Work?
For additional information regarding Pro/E, see the Pro/E File Format.

Pro/E File Format

A neutral file has the following characteristics:
• A Neutral file consists of lines of ASCII text.
• A line in a Neutral file beginning with the character "#" is a comment.
• All other lines in a Neutral file are of the form: <level><field><value> , where:
<level> = integer, <field> = name, <value> = string which may be present.
• A <field> must be one of the following:
a. The name of a simple data type (integer,string,real,etc.)
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪63

b. The name of an array.

c. The name of a structure
• All the fields on a particular level belong to the same parent.
• When <value> is present at a certain <level> and begins with the character "[",
or consists of a series of digits separated by commas, it indicates that <field> is
an array of dimension [n]([m]...). The array element values are contained on the
lines <level+1> up to the next line starting with <level> again.
For one-dimensional arrays there is only one line at the higher level, whose
<value> is a string of element values separated by commas.
The notation "n*m" indicates the following "n" elements each have the
value "m".
• When the <value> is present at a certain <level> (and is not the string "->"), then
this is the value to be assigned to <field>.
• When <value> is absent at a certain <level> this indicates that <field> is a
structure. Immediate elements of the aggregate are contained on lines <level+1>
up to the next line starting with <level> again.
• A special case is the line whose <field> is the string "ugc_xar_len" indicating
that the next line begins the description of an array of length <value>.
• When <value> is the string "->" this indicates that <field> is a pointer to an
aggregate whose elements follow.
• The special <value> string "NULL" indicates that the <field> is a pointer whose
value is null.

Pro/E Import
Convert (import) Pro/E files into the CimatronE format.
Translation data can either be displayed on the screen or saved to a log file. The log file
contains information such as:
User parameter values.
A list of each entity translated and any errors or problems encountered during
translation.
To import a Pro/E file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters specific to
this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Import dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪64

• During the conversion operation, a progress bar is displayed and the conversion
can be interrupted.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for importing Pro/E files into the CimatronE
format.

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪65

SAT

SAT
Import and export files in the SAT format (*.sat) to/from CimatronE.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is SAT?
SAT is an ACIS part save file. ACIS is an object-oriented 3D geometric modeling engine
from Spatial Technology Inc. ACIS is designed for use as the geometry foundation within
virtually any end user 3D modeling application.
ACIS saves model information to ACIS part save files and also restores the model
information from these files. These files have an open format so that applications not
based on ACIS can have access to the ACIS model. An example of a non-ACIS based
application that needs the geometric model information is a program that translates
models from ACIS to another format, or vice versa.
There are two types of ACIS save files; save as text (file extension .sat) and save as
binary (file extension .sab). The only difference between these files is that the data is
stored as ASCII text in a .sat file and in binary form in a .sab file. The organization of a
.sat file and a .sab file is identical. The term SAT file is generally used to refer to both.
How does it work?
Some basic ACIS concepts:
ACIS and C++
ACIS is written in C++ and consists of C++ functions and classes. A
developer uses these functions and classes to create an end user 3D modeling
application.
ACIS is a solid modeler, but wireframe and surface models may also be
represented.
Geometry
Geometry refers to the physical items represented by the model (such as
points, curves and surfaces), independent of their spatial - or topological -
relationships. The ACIS free-form geometry routines are based on non-
uniform rational B-splines (NURBS).
In addition to manifold geometry, ACIS can represent non-manifold
geometry. Geometry can be bounded, unbounded or semi-bounded, allowing
for complete and incomplete bodies. For example, a solid can have faces
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪66

missing and existing faces can have missing edges. Solids can also have
internal faces that divide the solid into cells.
The ACIS philosophy related to geometric definitions is that the
representation be essentially coordinate system independent, numerically
stable and easily transformed.
Model Topology
This refers to the spatial relationships between the various objects in a
model.
Boundary Representation
ACIS separately represents the geometry (detailed shape) and the topology
(connectivity) of objects. This concept is called boundary representation,
or B-rep, modeling.
Tolerant Modeling
This allows ACIS-enabled applications to work with low tolerance models
(generally imported from other applications) when the geometry cannot be
"fixed" to the exact modeling standards of ACIS (e.g. through model
healing). Tolerant edge and vertex capabilities allow the software to attach
tolerance values to the edges and vertices. So even when edges do not
exactly intersect, they are considered "close enough" to be useful.
Entities and Model Objects
An entity is the most basic ACIS object. All entities have a common set of
functionality, such as the ability to save and restore themselves to and from a
file, copy themselves and debug themselves. All other higher level ACIS
model objects are derived from entities.
A model object is any object that can be saved to and restored from a SAT
file.
Attributes
Attributes are used to attach data to entities. Every entity may have zero or
more attributes. Attributes can carry simple data, pointers to other entities or
links to application-specific, variable length data.
Dimensionality
The dimension of an object is the number of parameters needed to specify
the position of a particular point of the object. A point that requires one
parameter has one dimension; a point that requires two parameters has two
dimensions, and so on. In other words:
•Points that lie on a curve are 1D
•Points that lie on a surface are 2D
•Points that lie within a volume are 3D.
Object Space and Parameter Space
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪67

Object space is the 3D real number space. A point in object space is denoted
by (x,y,z).
Surface parameter space is the 2D real number space. A point in surface
space is denoted by (u,v).
Curve parameter space is the ID real number space. A point in curve
parameter space is denoted by t.
ACIS has been designed around the concept that everything is modeled in a
single number space called the model world, which is a subset of object
space. The origin, the point (x,y,z,) = (0,0,0), is the center of the model
world.
Continuity
This describes how two items come together. In ACIS, these items may be
two curves that meet, two portions of the same curve, etc.. (In the latter case,
one is usually describing the smoothness of a curve).
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪68

SAT Import
Convert (import) SAT files into the CimatronE format.
To import a SAT file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters specific to
this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Import dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪69

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for importing SAT files into the CimatronE
format.

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

SAT Export
Convert (export) CimatronE files into SAT files.
To export to a SAT file, follow the general export interaction. The parameters specific to
this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Export dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Use the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as a short
cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪70

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for exporting CimatronE files into SAT files.

To export a file follow the general export interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪71

SolidWorks

SolidWorks
Import parts and assembly files in the SolidWorks format (*.sldprt or *.aslasm) to
CimatronE.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is SolidWorks
SolidWorks is a CAD software solution and is owned by Dassault Systemes S.A..

SolidWorks Import
Convert (import) SolidWorks files into the CimatronE format.
To import a SolidWorks file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters
specific to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button
is pressed in the Import dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• During the conversion operation, a progress bar is displayed and the conversion
can be interrupted.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪72

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for importing SolidWorks files into the
CimatronE format.

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪73

STEP

STEP
Import and export files in the STEP format (*.stp or *.step) to/from CimatronE.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is STEP?
The STEP initiative is an international effort to standardize the exchange of product
design and manufacturing data. STEP is an acronym for Standard for Exchange of
Product model data. Within the United States, it is also known as PDES (Product Data
Exchange using STEP).
How Does it Work?
For information regarding STEP, see the STEP File Format.

STEP File Format

The STEP file contains the following two sections:
Header Section
The section contains file description, file name and file schema.
HEADER;
FILE_DESCRIPTION (('NIST ParaSolid Test Parts'), '1');
description informal description of 'NIST ParaSolid Test Parts'
contents
implementation_levelrequired implementation '1'
level of post-processor.
FILE_NAME ('design1', '1996-12-23T13:12:24-05:00', (Edi
Fleishman), ('NIST'), 'ST-DEVELOPER v1.3', 'EDS -
UNIGRAPHICS 10.5', '');
name name of exchange file 'PRT0001'
time_stamp file creation and date '1996-12-23 T13:12:24-
05:00'
author person who created the Edi Fleishman
exchange file
organization organization with which NIST
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪74

author is identified.
preprocessor_version identification of software ST-DEVELOPER v1.3
used to create the file (name
and version)
originating_system the system from which the 'EDS - UNIGRAPHICS
data originated 10.5'
authorization who authorized the sending unspecified
of the exchange file.
FILE_SCHEMA(('CONFIG_CONTROL_DESIGN'));
schema_identifiers identifies schema which 'CONFIG_CONTROL_DESIGN'
specify the instance in the
data section of the file
(usually the single
longform name of the
application interpreted
model
ENDSEC;
Data Section
The data comprises a list of entity_occurrences. Each entity occurrence has a unique
identifier and is an instance of a type specified in the application protocol, of which the
file as a whole is an instance.
DATA;
Entities representation description:
#69=GEOMETRICALLY_BOUNDED_WIREFRAME_SHAPE_REPRESENTATION(''
,(#6),#68);
Entities set:
#6=GEOMETRIC_CURVE_SET('',(#5,#11,#16,#21,#26,#31,#36,#41,#
46,#51,#56,#61));
First curve:
#5=TRIMMED_CURVE('',#4,(0.E0),(1.E0),.T.,.UNSPECIFIED.);
Curve type
#4=LINE('',#3,#2);
Origin point
#3=CARTESIAN_POINT('',(-8.08E0,0.E0,-3.42E0));
Vector & size
#2=VECTOR('',#1,8.08E0);
Vector direction
#1=DIRECTION('',(1.E0,0.E0,0.E0));
Second curve:
#11=TRIMMED_CURVE('',#10,(0.E0),(1.E0),.T.,.UNSPECIFIED.);
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪75

ENDSEC;
END-ISO-10303-21;

STEP Import
Convert (import) STEP files into the CimatronE format.
To import a STEP file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters specific to
this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Import dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for importing STEP files into the CimatronE
format.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪76

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

STEP Export
Convert (export) CimatronE files into STEP files.
To export to a STEP file, follow the general export interaction. The parameters specific
to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Export dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Use the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as a short
cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪77

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for exporting CimatronE files into STEP files.

To export a file follow the general export interaction.

STL

STL
Import and export files in the STL format (*.stl) to/from CimatronE.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is STL?
STL (Stereo-lithography tessellation language) refers to the representation of 3D forms as
boundary representation solid models constructed entirely of triangular facets. The STL
format was developed for use in rapid prototyping machines including Stereolithography
apparatus (SLA).
How Does it Work?
A Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) machine builds physical models by focusing an
ultraviolet light onto the surface of a container filled with liquid photopolymer. The light
beam draws each layer of an object onto the surface of the liquid. At every place that the
beam strikes the surface, the liquid changes to solid. 3D parts are thus built from the
bottom up, one layer at a time. When the part is finished, it is exposed to ultraviolet light
for curing.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪78

STL Import
Convert (import) STL files into the CimatronE format.
To import a STL file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters specific to
this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Import dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪79

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for importing STL files into the CimatronE
format.

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

STL Export
Convert (export) CimatronE files into STL files.
To export to a STL file, follow the general export interaction. The parameters specific to
this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Export dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Use the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as a short
cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪80

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for exporting CimatronE files into STL files.

To export a file follow the general export interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪81

STRAK

STRAK
Import files in the STRAK format (*.strak) to CimatronE.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is STRAK?
The STRAK data is a dat file that contains (among other data) a list of points that
describes the sections to define a blade. For example:
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪82

STRAK Import
Convert (import) STRAK files into the CimatronE format.
To import a STRAK file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters specific
to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Import dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪83

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for importing STRAK files into the CimatronE
format.

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

Unigraphics

Unigraphics
Import files in the Unigraphics format (version 11 or later - *.prt) to CimatronE.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is Unigraphics?
Unigraphics is a CAD/CAM/CAE software solution for design-through manufacturing
productivity.
Unigraphics is developed by EDS.

Unigraphics Import
Convert (import) Unigraphics files into the CimatronE format.
To import a Unigraphics file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters
specific to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button
is pressed in the Import dialog).
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪84

For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE

(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.
• During the conversion operation, a progress bar is displayed and the conversion
can be interrupted.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for importing Unigraphics files into the
CimatronE format.

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪85

VDA

VDA
Import and export files in the VDA format (*.vda) to/from CimatronE.
Geometric models containing points, point sets, curves and surfaces, may be transmitted
in VDA format between different systems.
The VDA Surface Interface (VDAFS) for the transfer of product definition data has
proven itself in the area of free-form surfaces.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is VDA?
VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie) is the German Quality Management System for
the automotive industry. The CAD/CAM Committee of the VDA was founded in 1982.
How Does it Work?
For additional information regarding VDA, see the VDA File Format.

VDA File Format

The lines of the file header contain the following data:
• VDA version name of sender company.
• contact person.
• telephone no.
• address.
• file name.
• project name, etc.
The last record in a file must be the trailer END . The trailer name corresponds to the
header name.
The total transferred data volume between header and trailer identification is designated
as a file. The file consists of records, each with 80 characters in ASCII (American
National Code for Information Interchange) code.
The records contain positive sequence numbers right-justified in columns 73 to 80. These
numbers are in ascending order.
The logical parts of the file are header, geometrical and structural elements, data
transformations as well as comments and trailer.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪86

VDA Import
Convert (import) VDA files into the CimatronE format.
To import a VDA file, follow the general import interaction. The parameters specific to
this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Import dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Notes:
• To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Press the button (on the top right corner of the Import dialog) as
a short cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
• To display the File Information dialog, press the button (on the top right
corner of the Import dialog). This dialog displays relevant information about the
imported file.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪87

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for importing VDA files into the CimatronE
format.

To import a file follow the general import interaction.

VDA Export
Convert (export) CimatronE files into VDA files.
To export to a VDA file, follow the general export interaction. The parameters specific to
this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Export dialog).
Translation data can either be displayed on the screen or saved to a log file. The log file
contains information such as:
• User parameter values.
• Global-section data written to the VDA file.
• A list of each entity translated and any errors or problems encountered during
translation.
• Statistical information on the entities in the VDA and Cimatron files.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Use the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as a short
cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪88

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for exporting CimatronE files into VDA files.

To export a file follow the general export interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪89

VRML

VRML
Export files in the VRML format (*.wrl) from CimatronE.
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: For instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of
this Help topic.
What is VRML?
The Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) is a file format for describing
interactive 3D objects and worlds. VRML is designed to be used on the Internet,
intranets, and local client systems. VRML is also intended to be a universal interchange
format for integrated 3D graphics and multimedia. VRML may be used in a variety of
application areas such as engineering and scientific visualization, multimedia
presentations, entertainment and educational titles, web pages, and shared virtual worlds.
How Does it Work?
VRML is a way for objects to read and write themselves. Theoretically, the objects can
contain anything -- 3D geometry, MIDI data, JPEG images. VRML defines a set of
objects useful for doing 3D graphics. These objects are called Nodes.
Nodes are arranged in hierarchical structures called scene graphs. Scene graphs are more
than just a collection of nodes; the scene graph defines an ordering for the nodes. The
scene graph has a notion of state -- nodes earlier in the scene can affect nodes that appear
later in the scene. For example, a Rotation or Material node will affect the nodes after it
in the scene. A mechanism is defined to limit the effects of properties (separator nodes),
allowing parts of the scene graph to be functionally isolated from other parts.

VRML File Format

VRML File Format
A VRML file consists of the following major functional components: the header, the
scene graph, the prototypes, and event routing. The contents of this file are processed for
presentation and interaction by a program known as a browser.
Header
Scene Graph
Prototypes
Event Routing
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪90

VRML File Format Header

For easy identification of VRML files, every VRML file begins with:
#VRML V2.0 <encoding type> [optional comment] <line terminator>
The header is a single line of UTF-8 text identifying the file as a VRML file and
identifying the encoding type of the file. It may also contain additional semantic
information.
The <encoding type> is either "utf8" or any other authorized values defined in other parts
of ISO/IEC 14772. The identifier "utf8" indicates a clear text encoding that allows for
international characters to be displayed in ISO/IEC 14772 using the UTF-8 encoding
defined in ISO/IEC 10646-1 (otherwise known as Unicode). The header for a UTF-8
encoded VRML file is
#VRML V2.0 utf8 [optional comment] <line terminator>
Any characters after the <encoding type> on the first line may be ignored by a browser.
The header line ends at the occurrence of a <line terminator>. A <line terminator> is a
linefeed character (0x0a) or a carriage-return character (0x0d) .

VRML File Format Scene Graph

The scene graph contains nodes which describe objects and their properties. It contains
hierarchically grouped geometry to provide an audio-visual representation of objects, as
well as nodes that participate in the event generation and routing mechanism.

VRML File Format Prototypes

Prototypes allow the set of VRML node types to be extended by the user. Prototype
definitions can be included in the file in which they are used or defined externally.
Prototypes may be defined in terms of other VRML nodes or may be defined using a
browser-specific extension mechanism.

VRML File Format Event Routing

Some VRML nodes generate events in response to environmental changes or user
interaction. Event routing gives authors a mechanism, separate from the scene graph
hierarchy, through which these events can be used to effect changes in other nodes. Once
generated, events are sent to their routed destinations in time order and processed by the
receiving node. This processing can change the state of the node, generate additional
events, or change the structure of the scene graph.
Script nodes allow arbitrary, author-defined event processing. An event received by a
Script node causes the execution of a function within a script which has the ability to
send events through the normal event routing mechanism, or bypass this mechanism and
send events directly to any node to which the Script node has a reference. Scripts can also
dynamically add or delete routes and thereby changing the event-routing topology.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪91

The ideal event model processes all events instantaneously in the order that they are
generated. A timestamp serves two purposes. First, it is a conceptual device used to
describe the chronological flow of the event mechanism. Second, timestamps are also
made available to Script nodes to allow events to be processed based on the order of user
actions or the elapsed time between events.

VRML Export
Convert (export) CimatronE files into VRML files.
To export to a VRML file, follow the general export interaction. The parameters specific
to this operation are shown below (these are displayed when the Expand button is
pressed in the Export dialog).
For a summary of the Data Interface Import/Export formats supported by CimatronE
(including their CAD version numbers), see CimatronE Import/Export Capabilities at a
Glance.
Note: To define default settings for the Advanced parameters, use the Data Interface
Preferences. Use the button (on the top right corner of the Export dialog) as a short
cut to the Preferences Editor and navigate to General > Data Interface.

General Tab
This tab displays general file conversion parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪92

Parameters Tab
This tab displays parameters specifically for exporting CimatronE files into VRML files.
Currently, there are no specific parameters.

To export a file follow the general export interaction.

CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪93

Index
A How Does DWG Work?.................. 31
About Data Interface............................. 1 What is DWG?................................. 31
Advanced - Export - Data Interface .... 19 DXF/DWG.......................................... 31
Advanced - Import - Data Interface .... 11 Export .............................................. 41
Assemblies - Exporting....................... 13 File Format .............. 32, 33, 34, 35, 37
B BLOCKS ...................................... 35
Batch File Import .................................. 7 ENTITIES .................................... 37
C HEADER...................................... 33
CATIA ................................................ 22 TABLES....................................... 34
Export .............................................. 26 File Group Code Assignment .......... 37
Import .............................................. 22 File Syntax....................................... 38
What is CATIA................................ 22 Group Codes .................................... 38
Cimatron ............................................... 1 How Does DXF Work? ................... 31
D Import .............................................. 39
Data Interface........................................ 1 What is DXF? .................................. 31
Advanced - Export........................... 19 E
Advanced - Import........................... 11 Export dialog....................................... 17
Exporting Files ................................ 13 Export File Operations........................ 13
Importing Files .................................. 4 Advanced - Data Interface............... 19
Progress Bar & Interruption ............ 21 CATIA ............................................. 26
Data Interface Basics ............................ 2 DWF ................................................ 29
Data Interface Capabilities at a Glance. 2 DXF ................................................. 41
Data Interface dialog............................. 1 Fikus Application ............................ 43
Data Interface Functions ..................... 21 IGES ................................................ 49
Dependent documents - Exporting...... 13 Parasolid .......................................... 55
DWF.................................................... 29 PDF.................................................. 57
Export .............................................. 29 PFM ................................................. 59
What is DWF? ................................. 29 SAT.................................................. 69
DWG ............................................... 1, 31 STEP................................................ 76
DWG / DXF..................................... 31 STL .................................................. 79
DWG File Format............................ 32 VDA................................................. 87
CimatronE 10.0 Data Interface User Guide ⎪94

VRML.............................................. 91 Unigraphics...................................... 83
Export multiple documents ................. 16 VDA................................................. 86
Export multiple files ........................... 17 Import From External File .................... 6
Export To External File ...................... 15 Import multiple files ............................. 8
Exporting Assemblies ......................... 13 Import/Export Capabilities at a Glance. 2
Exporting dependent documents......... 13 Importing Files - Data Interface............ 4
Exporting Files - Data Interface.......... 13 Inventor ............................................... 51
F Import .............................................. 51
Fikus (DI)............................................ 43 What is Inventor?............................. 51
Fikus Application................................ 43 M
Export .............................................. 43 Multiple document export................... 16
I Multiple file export ............................. 17
IGES................................................ 1, 45 Multiple File Import.............................. 8
Export .............................................. 49 N
How Does IGES Work? .................. 45 N.I.S.T................................................. 45
IGES File Format............................. 45 NEU .................................................... 62
Import .............................................. 48 Neutral Format - NEU ........................ 62
What is IGES? ................................. 45 P
Import dialog......................................... 8 Parametric Technology Corporation... 62
Import File Operations.......................... 4 Parasolid.............................................. 53
Advanced - Data Interface............... 11 Export .............................................. 55
Batch File........................................... 7 Import .............................................. 53
CATIA ............................................. 22 PDF ..................................................... 56
DXF ................................................. 39 Export .............................................. 57
IGES ................................................ 48 PFM................................................. 1, 58
Inventor............................................ 51 Export .............................................. 59
Parasolid .......................................... 53 Import .............................................. 58
PFM ................................................. 58 What is PFM? .................................. 58
Pro/E ................................................ 63 Pro/E ................................................... 62
SAT.................................................. 68 File Format ...................................... 62
SolidWorks ...................................... 71 Import .............................................. 63
STEP................................................ 75 Parametric Technology Corporation 62
STL .................................................. 78 What is Pro/E? ................................. 62
 Index

Progress Bar & Interruption - Data Import .............................................. 78

Interface ........................................... 21 What is STL? ................................... 77
PTC ....................................................... 1 STRAK ............................................... 81
S Import .............................................. 82
SAT ................................................. 1, 65 What is STRAK? ............................. 81
Export .............................................. 69
U
Import .............................................. 68 Unigraphics ......................................... 83
What is SAT?................................... 65 Import .............................................. 83
SLA ..................................................... 77 What is Unigraphics?....................... 83
SolidWorks ......................................... 71
V
Import .............................................. 71 VDA................................................ 1, 85
What is SolidWorks? ....................... 71 Export .............................................. 87
STEP ................................................... 73 File Format ...................................... 85
Export .............................................. 76 How Does VDA Work?................... 85
How Does STEP Work? .................. 73 Import .............................................. 86
Import .............................................. 75 Surface Interface.............................. 85
What is STEP?................................. 73 VDAFS ............................................ 85
Stereo-lithography Apparatus (SLA).. 77 What is VDA? ................................. 85
Stereo-lithography tessellation language VRML ................................................. 89
(STL) ............................................... 77
Export .............................................. 91
STL ..................................................... 77
W
Export .............................................. 79
Working in Data Interface .................... 4
How Does STL Work? .................... 77