CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
1 November 2007
Product News
New Kubotek Software Validates and Compares 3D CAD Models
Kubotek USA introduced Kubotek Validation ToolTM which assures manufactures that two revisions of the same CAD model, which visually appear the same, truly are geometrically identical. This product performs a critical test for manufacturers who rely on the 3D model as the product specification. Adding this step to the process of sharing 3D CAD data can prevent costly errors resulting from unintentional edits or translation errors when a model is passed between engineering groups. The report generation capabilities of the software include simple pass-fail indicators, a tamper-proof validation certificate, and a detailed listing of any differences found.
The first set of tests using Kubotek Validation Tool engages Kubotek's Face LogicT technology to analyze the actual geometric data types found in solid models based on a specified tolerance. Additional tests compare mass properties results and count geometry and topology.
"Previous technologies applied to this model validation problem by others are not a good match for solid models coming from multiple CAD programs," stated Jim Gordon, Kubotek Principal Engineer. "Boolean differencing the models was one common technique we choose to avoid. Boolean operations applied to the whole model don't provide reliable results with these data sets. The other major approach used in model congruence testing has been to measure point deviations, but that is slow and results are difficult to understand."
Wayne Schafer, of Kawasaki Motors Mfg Corp in Lincoln, Nebraska, reviewed Kubotek Validation Tool with product designs sent from Japan in the CATIA 5 format. Shaffer said, "This tool found design changes in seconds that might have taken me hours. What's more is that it found small but significant changes in visually obscured areas of the model that could have been easily missed."
"This product release is one of several breakthroughs introduced to the MCAD market this year by Kubotek," stated Robert Bean, Kubotek USA Executive Vice President. "Both the new Kubotek Validation Tool and the earlier Direct Dimension-driven Editing capabilities are based on Kubotek's focus on innovating direct, non-history, 3D modeling technology."
Robert Bean continues ,"We've seen a lot of excitement about what this approach can do. In developing our new validation capabilities, we worked closely with engineers managing a large aerospace supply chain. Our customer was 'blown away' by the speed and results Kubotek Validation Tool can deliver."
Peter McCutchen, Kubotek USA Vice President of Strategic Partnerships added, "Unexpected delays in process are commonly the largest factor in making manufacturing business profitable. Our Validation Tool is great at catching problems in 3D CAD data before they cause expensive delays downstream."
"Because Kubotek Validation Tool can read models from all major MCAD programs the appeal of this product is going to be very broad. With this launch, Kubotek is reaching out to our existing sales channel base, and helping them to provide a non-CAD design related product to the marketplace. In addition, we are able to develop new sales channels that will help us deliver a 3D CAD validation solution to new opportunities and industries. We can do this at a price point that is feasible even to small manufacturers and suppliers."
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