Thanks very much for the detailed information. I was just wondering if any neutral formats like IGES, SAT, STEP, are supported.
This is because one of my client has Pro/Engineer and SolidWorks and he would like to send those solid models. So the question is how to import those software's Assembly files (having solids) in PDMS?
Right now, there are Aveva tools for importing:
[LIST] Version 7 Microstation DGN files through Implant-I AutoCAD 3D DWG files through Implant-A STL (stereo lithographic) files through Implant-STL Structural steel SDNF files through OpenSteel Laser scans through the Laser Model Interface
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At least these are some of the tools that we have been exposed to or use quite regularly. There may be others that Aveva offers. You should be able to check this on www.aveva.com or through your Aveva representative.
As for third party software that type conversions there is Unitec (www.unitec.de[/url]) and XMpLant ([url]http://www.noumenon.co.uk/home.html).
For the STEP format, I would suggest something like the solution from Unitec. At this time, I do not think that Aveva has a STEP solution. Maybe someone else has info????
... one of my client has Pro/Engineer and SolidWorks and he would like to send those solid models. So the question is how to import those software's Assembly files (having solids) in PDMS?
I actually had an interesting discussion with Peter B. at the Viewpoint conference about this....
I experimented with trying to get something out of Inventer, without using an AVEVA interface. I was able to write an XML Schema that converted an XGL file into Solid Polyhedrons. It worked, but had a few quirks (much like the author).
I've wondered if it would be possible to have PDMS take an external file that was OpenGL syntax, and run it through the display drivers into the PDMS Viewer. Then from there, could it be associated with a certain element type in PDMS to hold the positional value and the orientation. You could probably convert items to Point Clouds (there are STEP to Point cloud converters out there), and have the Laser Model Interface run i into PDMS (concept only, never done it nor have I seen a true LMI demo).
Trust me... If I were qualified to write that... I would be sipping drinks on the beach of some remote island, with my newfound wealth...
Hey AVEVA guys (you know who you are)... Put that one into production, and I'll BETA it for you....
Interesting.... sounds similar to the way the LMI works (Hey, laser model supplier, we looking over there, put your stuff into this OpenGL buffer for us...). So yes, I could program it, but put into production is a different matter!
From what I am reading, the "unification" of different type of 3D models is possible. So technically there are new tools out there will allow this to happen. But commercially is it viable?
Navisworks model can also combine PDS and PDMS data together for viewing, they seem to be quite ahead in that niche market.
To get combined viewable 3d graphics can be fairly straightforward if you have a "publish to documented 3D format" particularly if the read into OpenGL is either "built in" or a freely usable library, but "live links" and things like picking, clash-detection and modification are much harder, and in addition you get complications about where the data lives (if it is not in the PDMS database then how can Global replication work, and what about backups etc etc)
LMI was implemented in cooperation with the vendors, but there are good commecial reasons why both the 3D modellers and the Laser Scanning Vendors should be committed to making the link work.
Version 7 Microstation DGN files through Implant-I
