ISO Registered.
Copyright 2004
Modern Group, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Modern Forge Companies utilize the following
CAD/CAM software programs
Data exchange methods allow different CAD programs to communicate with each other. Various methods of data exchange are available depending upon the application. Some of the most common and their uses are described below.
- Native mode is the transfer of data from one system to another without an intermediate translation. In other words, both applications use the same data structure. This is the most efficient method of transfer, since no data is lost and no errors are likely to occur in the transfer.
- IGES is an international standard format for CAD data. However, IGES is an older standard that understands wire frame and surface geometry, but has very limited support for solid geometry. While this is a limitation within IGES, most solid modelers can take IGES surface data and re-create the solid from it, and almost every CAD systems supports IGES exchange.
- STEP is a new international geometry exchange standard. The STEP standard does support solid geometry, as well as the solid's material properties. However, as a relatively new standard, it is only just beginning to be supported by most CAD systems.
- DXF is the standard exchange format for AutoCAD, and has become a defacto standard for the exchange of two-dimensional geometry. Recent additions to the DXF standard allow for the support of three-dimensional objects, but so far this has limited support from the CAD industry.
Preferred Exchange Methods
If you are sending a drawing or model to a non-CAD terminals (i.e. sending an e-mail print to QC, or directly to a salesperson), please forward as a PDF (Adobe Acrobat) or TIFF file. JPGs for pictures are also readable on all Modern PC terminals.
