Maha D
2017-03-24 08:13:49 UTC
Here are the last 3 bits of info I received from Martin Hardwick regarding
step NC.
JAN 9th
STEP-NC Pictures
We have added pictures of the STEP-NC demonstration to our home
page. The picture show who was at the meeting and some of the
demonstration. They were supplied courtesy of Benet Laboratories
of Watervliet Arsenal.
-----------------------------
EXPRESS-X for DIS
ISO has announced that EXPRESS-X has passed its Committee Draft Ballot
and can advance to DIS status as soon as all of the ballot comments
have been addressed. A workshop will be held during the upcoming STEP
meeting in Funchal, Portugal for this purpose.
EXPRESS is the information modeling language used to define the data
models in STEP. However, EXPRESS only defines how data is modeled it
does not define how that data represents the information requirements
of a user. In the current Application Protocols these information
requirements are documented using awkward mapping tables.
EXPRESS-X is an extension to EXPRESS that can define information
mappings as well as the information models. With EXPRESS-X all the
information requirements of an Application Protocol are documented in
one model and it becomes possible for Application Protocols to share
data in the same database, and for application programs to modify
units of functionality within Application Protocols without processing
the whole AP. Both of these capabilities will make STEP databases and
applications much easier to write in the future.
Passing the CD ballot means that EXPRESS-X is ready for testing by
vendors. Several, including STEP Tools, have already implemented
EXPRESS-X processors.
-------------------------------------
More Translation Services
In the last letter we announced the addition of OSEB and CEB XML
translators to our ST-Repository translation service. In this letter
1. An EXPRESS short name generator
2. An EXPRESS long name duplicate checker
3. AP-214 validator
The short name generator creates a sample set of short (6 character)
names for an EXPRESS model. The names generated are the ones that
would be registered as the standard ones for this model by STEP Tools
if the model was to become a STEP standard and if no other model
reserved the names before the registration.
The long name checker scans an EXPRESS model for unique names. If a
model is part of STEP then it should not duplicate any of the names
used in the other STEP models. This tool can be used to check new STEP
models against the existing models and will identify any name
duplicates in the new model.
The AP-214 validator checks an AP-214 data file for conformance to the
requirements defined in the AP-214 EXPRESS model. The translation
service already contains an AP-203 checker, and the new checker has
the same facilities as this one but with many more validation
functions.
-------------------
Translation Service
This was a slow week being the first week of the New Year.
Period Covered: Sun Dec 31 03:25:03 2000 -- Sun Jan 7 03:25:03 2001
Total usage: 27
Successful usage: 27 (100%)
Errors: (0%)
Translator total errors success rate
ACIS to STEP: 4 0 100%
STEP to ACIS: 12 0 100%
Parasolid to STEP: 1 0 100%
Visualization Service: 2 0 100%
=======================================
All-Time stats
------------------------------------
Period Covered: Wed Dec 31 19:00:00 1969 -- Sun Jan 7 03:25:55 2001
Total usage: 11641
Successful usage: 10398 (89%)
Errors: 1243 (10%)
Translator total errors success rate
ACIS to STEP: 2724 63 97%
STEP to ACIS: 3663 250 93%
STEP to XML: 87 18 79%
AP203 Checker: 747 49 93%
CEB XML Writer: 12 1 91%
EXPRESS Checker: 11 1 90%
OSEB XML Writer: 4 0 100%
Parasolid to STEP: 438 121 72%
STEP to Parasolid: 536 145 72%
STEP to XML: 483 36 92%
Visualization tools: 617 148 76%
Visualization Service: 151 18 88%
XML to STEP: 106 21 80%
---------------------------
Tools From STEP Tools, Inc.
The world's foremost firms use the STEP Tools product line to help
them share engineering product information. Over one million people
use product data applications built with ST-Developer, the company's
flagship product.
* ST-Repository -- a database for sub-contracting manufacturing tasks
over the Internet.
* ST-Developer -- programming tools for writing STEP applications,
translators and databases.
* ST-ACIS Library -- programming functions to convert STEP data
to and from ACIS models and SAT files.
* ST-Parasolid Library -- programming functions to convert STEP
data to and from Parasolid models.
* ST-ACIS Translator -- desktop tool for translating STEP data to
ACIS and vice versa.
* ST-Parasolid Translator -- desktop tool for translating STEP
data to Parasolid and vice versa.
* ST-Viewer -- desktop tool to view, analyze and check the
accuracy of STEP data.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
JAN 23rd
-------------------------------------------------
Top Ten Automation Technologies
STEP-NC has been identified as one of the top ten list of technologies
to watch as published by ARC advisory group: http://www.arcweb.com
1. Thin client HMI
2. XML
3. Java
4. Wireless and Bluetooth
5. Fieldbus HSE
6. Web Application Hosting
7. STEP-NC Machine Control Language
8. FireWire-based motion Control Networking
9. Publish/Subscribe technology
10. Advanced Ultrasonic technology
Many thanks to King Yee of Boeing for finding this citation.
--------------------------------
Hi Thru Demonstration
Last week the Hi Thru project gave a demonstration of rapid
manufacturing using a five axis high speed milling machine.
The demonstration at Cincinnati Machine (formerly Cincinnati Milacron)
showed how quickly and easily a 5-axis machine can be programmed using
manufacturing features. Programming a 5-axis machines is difficult
because a part programmer must determine optimium speeds and feeds for
complex geometry. The Cimskill system developed by Technology Answers
showed that such programming will become simple when the old M and G
code standard is replaced by STEP-NC.
1. Read an AP-203 geometry file produced by Pro/E, Catia,
Unigraphics or any of the many other CAD systems that
support STEP.
2. Recognized manufacturing features
3. Defined a manufacturing process for each feature
4. Computed a tool path for each process
5. Computed the optimum speeds for each tool path.
6. Sent the result to a Cincinatti Lancer V5 machine tool as an
old style M and G code file (more on this below).
The demonstration did not use STEP-NC, however it was clear to the
audience that there were two stages to the optimization: computing the
manufacturing process; and computing the optimum speeds and feeds. The
first stage is independent of the five axis machine and should be
stored as a STEP-NC file.
The second stage depends on the machine and tools that are going to be
used to make the part. Obviously, if the tools available on the day of
manufacturing are high quality ones then the speeds and feeds can be
faster, and if they are not then the speeds should be less agressive.
This information is best computed on the machine tool using the
information provided by STEP-NC and an internal database desribing the
state of the equipment.
----------------------
Why STEP-NC
Thanks to the Hi Thru project we can now complete our list of business
1. 75% reduction in the time it takes an OEM to make a
drawing because they will not need to make drawings
anymore. Instead they will send 3D models annotated with
tolerances.
2. 35% reduction in the time it takes to make an NC process
plan (or part program) because the plans will be programmed
as manufacturing features instead of speeds and feeds.
3. 50% reduction in the time it takes to machine a part because users
will be able to use high speed 5 axis machines more often.
---------------------------
Translation Service
This service is free because we want to show you that our translators
are reliable and easy to use.
Period Covered: Sun Jan 14 03:25:01 2001 -- Sun Jan 21 03:25:01 2001
Total usage: 54
Successful usage: 50 (92%)
Errors: 4 (7%)
Translator total errors success rate
ACIS to STEP: 5 0 100%
STEP to ACIS: 13 0 100%
AP203 Checker: 9 0 100%
CEB XML Writer: 3 0 100%
OSEB XML Writer: 1 0 100%
Parasolid to STEP: 13 0 100%
STEP to Parasolid: 2 2 0%
Visualization Service: 3 2 33%
=======================================
All-Time stats
------------------------------------
Period Covered: Wed Dec 31 19:00:00 1969 -- Sun Jan 21 03:25:42 2001
Total usage: 11795
Successful usage: 10544 (89%)
Errors: 1251 (10%)
Translator total errors success rate
ACIS to STEP: 2736 63 97%
STEP to ACIS: 3701 250 93%
STEP to XML: 87 18 79%
AP203 Checker: 763 49 93%
CEB XML Writer: 22 3 86%
EXPRESS Checker: 11 1 90%
OSEB XML Writer: 9 0 100%
Parasolid to STEP: 462 123 73%
STEP to Parasolid: 557 147 73%
STEP to XML: 483 36 92%
Visualization tools: 619 148 76%
Visualization Service: 158 20 87%
XML to STEP: 106 21 80%
---------------------------
Tools From STEP Tools, Inc.
The world's foremost firms use the STEP Tools product line to help
them share engineering product information. Over one million people
use product data applications built with ST-Developer, the company's
flagship product.
* ST-Repository -- a database for sub-contracting manufacturing
tasks over the Internet.
* ST-Developer -- programming tools for writing STEP applications,
translators and databases.
* ST-ACIS Library -- programming functions to convert STEP data
to and from ACIS models and SAT files.
* ST-Parasolid Library -- programming functions to convert STEP
data to and from Parasolid models.
* ST-ACIS Translator -- desktop tool for translating STEP data to
ACIS and vice versa.
* ST-Parasolid Translator -- desktop tool for translating STEP data
to Parasolid and vice versa.
* ST-Viewer -- desktop tool to view, analyze and check the accuracy
of STEP data.
FEB 6th
ISO STEP Meeting in Funchal
The next meeting of the STEP committees will take place before the
next Newsletter is sent. At the meeting STEP Tools will contribute the
1. An AIM model will be presented for STEP-NC (ISO 14649). The new
model will have all the functional capabilities of ISO 14649 plus
the ability to share data with the other STEP Application
Protocols such as AP-203 (geometry and assembly), AP-224
(manufacturing features) and AP-214 (geometry, assembly and
features).
2. An XML Schema for the Containment Early Binding will be presented.
The XML Schema captures more of the semantics of a CEB message and
EXPRESS data response than is possible using XML DTD's.
3. We will be working with a large team to resolve the ballot comments
for EXPRESS-X so that it can move forward to DIS as soon as
possible.
In addition Martin Hardwick will be running the SC4 Implementors Forum
with presentations and feedback from testing groups in CAD, PDM,
Shipbuilding, Parametrics and Printed Circuit Boards.
Funchal is an industrial city in the far south of Portugal. The
industry is tourism. Far south means an island of the coast of Africa!
Oh, how we suffer to make standards for you.
--------------------------------------
Phase 1 Option for WSME
The Web Smart Modeling Environment will be a browser based environment
for viewing and manipulating shipbuilding and process plant data. The
environment will contain a plug-in 3D viewer and customizable XML
driven components for browsing the various aspects of a shipbuilding
or process plant product.
By enabling web based access to product data, the WSME will
substantially improve the quality of the shipbuilding and process
plant data sent to the supply chain.
In January of 1999 STEP Tools was awarded a project by the US Navy to
research the technologies necessary to enable a WSME. The Phase 1
option will allow us to implement a system prototype in anticipation
of an award to implement the full environment.
---------------------------
Translation Service
This service is free because we want to show you that our translators
are reliable and easy to use.
Period Covered: Sun Jan 28 03:25:02 2001 -- Sun Feb 4 03:25:02 2001
Total usage: 97
Successful usage: 96 (98%)
Errors: 1 (1%)
Translator total errors success rate
ACIS to STEP: 35 0 100%
STEP to ACIS: 17 0 100%
AP203 Checker: 15 0 100%
OSEB XML Writer: 2 0 100%
Parasolid to STEP: 6 0 100%
STEP to Parasolid: 5 1 80%
Visualization Service: 4 0 100%
=======================================
All-Time stats
Period Covered: Wed Dec 31 19:00:00 1969 -- Sun Feb 4 03:25:43 2001
Total usage: 11937
Successful usage: 10683 (89%)
Errors: 1254 (10%)
---------------------------
Tools From STEP Tools, Inc.
The world's foremost firms use the STEP Tools product line to help
them share engineering product information. Over one million people
use product data applications built with ST-Developer, the company's
flagship product.
* ST-Repository -- a database for sub-contracting manufacturing
tasks over the Internet.
* ST-Developer -- programming tools for writing STEP applications,
translators and databases.
* ST-ACIS Library -- programming functions to convert STEP data
to and from ACIS models and SAT files.
* ST-Parasolid Library -- programming functions to convert STEP
data to and from Parasolid models.
* ST-ACIS Translator -- desktop tool for translating STEP data to
ACIS and vice versa.
* ST-Parasolid Translator -- desktop tool for translating STEP data
to Parasolid and vice versa.
* ST-Viewer -- desktop tool to view, analyze and check the accuracy
of STEP data.
Neil George
Is there any way to generated STEP-NC file from a CAD model??step NC.
JAN 9th
STEP-NC Pictures
We have added pictures of the STEP-NC demonstration to our home
page. The picture show who was at the meeting and some of the
demonstration. They were supplied courtesy of Benet Laboratories
of Watervliet Arsenal.
-----------------------------
EXPRESS-X for DIS
ISO has announced that EXPRESS-X has passed its Committee Draft Ballot
and can advance to DIS status as soon as all of the ballot comments
have been addressed. A workshop will be held during the upcoming STEP
meeting in Funchal, Portugal for this purpose.
EXPRESS is the information modeling language used to define the data
models in STEP. However, EXPRESS only defines how data is modeled it
does not define how that data represents the information requirements
of a user. In the current Application Protocols these information
requirements are documented using awkward mapping tables.
EXPRESS-X is an extension to EXPRESS that can define information
mappings as well as the information models. With EXPRESS-X all the
information requirements of an Application Protocol are documented in
one model and it becomes possible for Application Protocols to share
data in the same database, and for application programs to modify
units of functionality within Application Protocols without processing
the whole AP. Both of these capabilities will make STEP databases and
applications much easier to write in the future.
Passing the CD ballot means that EXPRESS-X is ready for testing by
vendors. Several, including STEP Tools, have already implemented
EXPRESS-X processors.
-------------------------------------
More Translation Services
In the last letter we announced the addition of OSEB and CEB XML
translators to our ST-Repository translation service. In this letter
1. An EXPRESS short name generator
2. An EXPRESS long name duplicate checker
3. AP-214 validator
The short name generator creates a sample set of short (6 character)
names for an EXPRESS model. The names generated are the ones that
would be registered as the standard ones for this model by STEP Tools
if the model was to become a STEP standard and if no other model
reserved the names before the registration.
The long name checker scans an EXPRESS model for unique names. If a
model is part of STEP then it should not duplicate any of the names
used in the other STEP models. This tool can be used to check new STEP
models against the existing models and will identify any name
duplicates in the new model.
The AP-214 validator checks an AP-214 data file for conformance to the
requirements defined in the AP-214 EXPRESS model. The translation
service already contains an AP-203 checker, and the new checker has
the same facilities as this one but with many more validation
functions.
-------------------
Translation Service
This was a slow week being the first week of the New Year.
Period Covered: Sun Dec 31 03:25:03 2000 -- Sun Jan 7 03:25:03 2001
Total usage: 27
Successful usage: 27 (100%)
Errors: (0%)
Translator total errors success rate
ACIS to STEP: 4 0 100%
STEP to ACIS: 12 0 100%
Parasolid to STEP: 1 0 100%
Visualization Service: 2 0 100%
=======================================
All-Time stats
------------------------------------
Period Covered: Wed Dec 31 19:00:00 1969 -- Sun Jan 7 03:25:55 2001
Total usage: 11641
Successful usage: 10398 (89%)
Errors: 1243 (10%)
Translator total errors success rate
ACIS to STEP: 2724 63 97%
STEP to ACIS: 3663 250 93%
STEP to XML: 87 18 79%
AP203 Checker: 747 49 93%
CEB XML Writer: 12 1 91%
EXPRESS Checker: 11 1 90%
OSEB XML Writer: 4 0 100%
Parasolid to STEP: 438 121 72%
STEP to Parasolid: 536 145 72%
STEP to XML: 483 36 92%
Visualization tools: 617 148 76%
Visualization Service: 151 18 88%
XML to STEP: 106 21 80%
---------------------------
Tools From STEP Tools, Inc.
The world's foremost firms use the STEP Tools product line to help
them share engineering product information. Over one million people
use product data applications built with ST-Developer, the company's
flagship product.
* ST-Repository -- a database for sub-contracting manufacturing tasks
over the Internet.
* ST-Developer -- programming tools for writing STEP applications,
translators and databases.
* ST-ACIS Library -- programming functions to convert STEP data
to and from ACIS models and SAT files.
* ST-Parasolid Library -- programming functions to convert STEP
data to and from Parasolid models.
* ST-ACIS Translator -- desktop tool for translating STEP data to
ACIS and vice versa.
* ST-Parasolid Translator -- desktop tool for translating STEP
data to Parasolid and vice versa.
* ST-Viewer -- desktop tool to view, analyze and check the
accuracy of STEP data.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
JAN 23rd
-------------------------------------------------
Top Ten Automation Technologies
STEP-NC has been identified as one of the top ten list of technologies
to watch as published by ARC advisory group: http://www.arcweb.com
1. Thin client HMI
2. XML
3. Java
4. Wireless and Bluetooth
5. Fieldbus HSE
6. Web Application Hosting
7. STEP-NC Machine Control Language
8. FireWire-based motion Control Networking
9. Publish/Subscribe technology
10. Advanced Ultrasonic technology
Many thanks to King Yee of Boeing for finding this citation.
--------------------------------
Hi Thru Demonstration
Last week the Hi Thru project gave a demonstration of rapid
manufacturing using a five axis high speed milling machine.
The demonstration at Cincinnati Machine (formerly Cincinnati Milacron)
showed how quickly and easily a 5-axis machine can be programmed using
manufacturing features. Programming a 5-axis machines is difficult
because a part programmer must determine optimium speeds and feeds for
complex geometry. The Cimskill system developed by Technology Answers
showed that such programming will become simple when the old M and G
code standard is replaced by STEP-NC.
1. Read an AP-203 geometry file produced by Pro/E, Catia,
Unigraphics or any of the many other CAD systems that
support STEP.
2. Recognized manufacturing features
3. Defined a manufacturing process for each feature
4. Computed a tool path for each process
5. Computed the optimum speeds for each tool path.
6. Sent the result to a Cincinatti Lancer V5 machine tool as an
old style M and G code file (more on this below).
The demonstration did not use STEP-NC, however it was clear to the
audience that there were two stages to the optimization: computing the
manufacturing process; and computing the optimum speeds and feeds. The
first stage is independent of the five axis machine and should be
stored as a STEP-NC file.
The second stage depends on the machine and tools that are going to be
used to make the part. Obviously, if the tools available on the day of
manufacturing are high quality ones then the speeds and feeds can be
faster, and if they are not then the speeds should be less agressive.
This information is best computed on the machine tool using the
information provided by STEP-NC and an internal database desribing the
state of the equipment.
----------------------
Why STEP-NC
Thanks to the Hi Thru project we can now complete our list of business
1. 75% reduction in the time it takes an OEM to make a
drawing because they will not need to make drawings
anymore. Instead they will send 3D models annotated with
tolerances.
2. 35% reduction in the time it takes to make an NC process
plan (or part program) because the plans will be programmed
as manufacturing features instead of speeds and feeds.
3. 50% reduction in the time it takes to machine a part because users
will be able to use high speed 5 axis machines more often.
---------------------------
Translation Service
This service is free because we want to show you that our translators
are reliable and easy to use.
Period Covered: Sun Jan 14 03:25:01 2001 -- Sun Jan 21 03:25:01 2001
Total usage: 54
Successful usage: 50 (92%)
Errors: 4 (7%)
Translator total errors success rate
ACIS to STEP: 5 0 100%
STEP to ACIS: 13 0 100%
AP203 Checker: 9 0 100%
CEB XML Writer: 3 0 100%
OSEB XML Writer: 1 0 100%
Parasolid to STEP: 13 0 100%
STEP to Parasolid: 2 2 0%
Visualization Service: 3 2 33%
=======================================
All-Time stats
------------------------------------
Period Covered: Wed Dec 31 19:00:00 1969 -- Sun Jan 21 03:25:42 2001
Total usage: 11795
Successful usage: 10544 (89%)
Errors: 1251 (10%)
Translator total errors success rate
ACIS to STEP: 2736 63 97%
STEP to ACIS: 3701 250 93%
STEP to XML: 87 18 79%
AP203 Checker: 763 49 93%
CEB XML Writer: 22 3 86%
EXPRESS Checker: 11 1 90%
OSEB XML Writer: 9 0 100%
Parasolid to STEP: 462 123 73%
STEP to Parasolid: 557 147 73%
STEP to XML: 483 36 92%
Visualization tools: 619 148 76%
Visualization Service: 158 20 87%
XML to STEP: 106 21 80%
---------------------------
Tools From STEP Tools, Inc.
The world's foremost firms use the STEP Tools product line to help
them share engineering product information. Over one million people
use product data applications built with ST-Developer, the company's
flagship product.
* ST-Repository -- a database for sub-contracting manufacturing
tasks over the Internet.
* ST-Developer -- programming tools for writing STEP applications,
translators and databases.
* ST-ACIS Library -- programming functions to convert STEP data
to and from ACIS models and SAT files.
* ST-Parasolid Library -- programming functions to convert STEP
data to and from Parasolid models.
* ST-ACIS Translator -- desktop tool for translating STEP data to
ACIS and vice versa.
* ST-Parasolid Translator -- desktop tool for translating STEP data
to Parasolid and vice versa.
* ST-Viewer -- desktop tool to view, analyze and check the accuracy
of STEP data.
FEB 6th
ISO STEP Meeting in Funchal
The next meeting of the STEP committees will take place before the
next Newsletter is sent. At the meeting STEP Tools will contribute the
1. An AIM model will be presented for STEP-NC (ISO 14649). The new
model will have all the functional capabilities of ISO 14649 plus
the ability to share data with the other STEP Application
Protocols such as AP-203 (geometry and assembly), AP-224
(manufacturing features) and AP-214 (geometry, assembly and
features).
2. An XML Schema for the Containment Early Binding will be presented.
The XML Schema captures more of the semantics of a CEB message and
EXPRESS data response than is possible using XML DTD's.
3. We will be working with a large team to resolve the ballot comments
for EXPRESS-X so that it can move forward to DIS as soon as
possible.
In addition Martin Hardwick will be running the SC4 Implementors Forum
with presentations and feedback from testing groups in CAD, PDM,
Shipbuilding, Parametrics and Printed Circuit Boards.
Funchal is an industrial city in the far south of Portugal. The
industry is tourism. Far south means an island of the coast of Africa!
Oh, how we suffer to make standards for you.
--------------------------------------
Phase 1 Option for WSME
The Web Smart Modeling Environment will be a browser based environment
for viewing and manipulating shipbuilding and process plant data. The
environment will contain a plug-in 3D viewer and customizable XML
driven components for browsing the various aspects of a shipbuilding
or process plant product.
By enabling web based access to product data, the WSME will
substantially improve the quality of the shipbuilding and process
plant data sent to the supply chain.
In January of 1999 STEP Tools was awarded a project by the US Navy to
research the technologies necessary to enable a WSME. The Phase 1
option will allow us to implement a system prototype in anticipation
of an award to implement the full environment.
---------------------------
Translation Service
This service is free because we want to show you that our translators
are reliable and easy to use.
Period Covered: Sun Jan 28 03:25:02 2001 -- Sun Feb 4 03:25:02 2001
Total usage: 97
Successful usage: 96 (98%)
Errors: 1 (1%)
Translator total errors success rate
ACIS to STEP: 35 0 100%
STEP to ACIS: 17 0 100%
AP203 Checker: 15 0 100%
OSEB XML Writer: 2 0 100%
Parasolid to STEP: 6 0 100%
STEP to Parasolid: 5 1 80%
Visualization Service: 4 0 100%
=======================================
All-Time stats
Period Covered: Wed Dec 31 19:00:00 1969 -- Sun Feb 4 03:25:43 2001
Total usage: 11937
Successful usage: 10683 (89%)
Errors: 1254 (10%)
---------------------------
Tools From STEP Tools, Inc.
The world's foremost firms use the STEP Tools product line to help
them share engineering product information. Over one million people
use product data applications built with ST-Developer, the company's
flagship product.
* ST-Repository -- a database for sub-contracting manufacturing
tasks over the Internet.
* ST-Developer -- programming tools for writing STEP applications,
translators and databases.
* ST-ACIS Library -- programming functions to convert STEP data
to and from ACIS models and SAT files.
* ST-Parasolid Library -- programming functions to convert STEP
data to and from Parasolid models.
* ST-ACIS Translator -- desktop tool for translating STEP data to
ACIS and vice versa.
* ST-Parasolid Translator -- desktop tool for translating STEP data
to Parasolid and vice versa.
* ST-Viewer -- desktop tool to view, analyze and check the accuracy
of STEP data.
Neil George
Maha