Data Translators

NURBS-based geometry translators

SMS provides NURBS-based geometry translators with interfaces for NLib, TSNLib, and SMLib. IGES, STEP, SAT, VDAFS, OpenNURBS, Catia, and Parasolid XT translators are currently available. All translators work in both directions by reading and writing into SMLib data structures. All translators utilize a core translator library to take advantage of common code.

Key Features

  • Code Distribution – Portable C++ libraries.

  • Core – Built on a common geometry/topology core.

  • Geometry Types – All geometry entities are translated. Points, curves, trimmed surfaces, and B-reps. Partial results are translated if issues are encountered.

  • Repair – Efforts to repair inconsistent data, eliminate self-intersections and gaps, etc.

  • Interface – Function based and class based interfaces available for NLib, TSNLib, and SMLib customers.

  • Attributes – User stored information associated to geometry entities are maintained using attributes.

Our translators are designed with partners:

IGES – Initial Graphics Exchange Specification

Neutral data format describes product design and manufacturing information created and stored in CAD/CAM systems. Its purpose is to aid in the exchange of geometry, annotation, and structure information between dissimilar systems.

STEP – Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data

Its goal is to interrelate all geometric and nongeometric data in a useful and meaningful way so that the complete description of a product can be shared between CAD systems. STEP is made up of a group of APs (application protocols), which are collections of working documents that address different disciplines.

SAT – Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data

Standard ACIS Text format for exchanging information with the ACIS geometry definitions. ACIS is the 3D modeling software from Spatial, a division of Dassault Systemes of France.

OpenNURBS

Data exchange file format developed by McNeel and Assoc for communication with Rhino.

Solidworks

Data exchange file format developed by Dassault Systems for the purposes of solid modeling.

Parasolid

Data exchange file format developed by Parasolid with x_t or x_b file extension.

STL

A polygonal file format originating from the stereolithography industry. This file format is supported by many other software packages; it is widely used for rapid prototyping, 3D printing, skeletons reconstruction, and computer-aided manufacturing.

Catia/Datakit

Data exchange file format developed by Dassault Systems

VDAFS – Vereinung Deutsche Automobilindustrie Flächen Schnittstelle

German neutral file format for the exchange of surface geometry which was developed to exchange free form surfaces. VDAFS supports elementary curve and surface geometry entities and some topology to define more complex models. VDAFS is used by the German automotive industry to define surface models such as car bodies.