With all 3D model migration approaches, there is a risk of unintentional changes being introduced. This makes a comprehensive validation solution a crucial element in a 3D model migration strategy. No legacy data migration process involving 3D CAD data is complete without applying an automated, independent validation process that can computationally confirm if changes to the product model may have been introduced during the migration process. This validation is especially critical in the case of feature translations and manual remastering, both of which have a higher rates of differences being introduced due to the difficult nature of moving feature based models between different CAD systems. CAD Interopis often engaged in Data Migration and other customer interoperability processes as an independent evaluator of the results. Our customers trust that our neutral validation of migrated data is well proven via TranscenData's Validation Solutions.
Challenges and solutions before launching a CAD migration
- Audit data to assess quality, identify risks, and ensure an effective and efficient migration
- Define re-usability requirements and levels of translation required
- Automate drawing migration
- Identify and re-use common parts
- Comprehensively check and report quality
- Generate high-quality automated results:
- Always accurate 3D geometry
- Maximum amount of design history and design intent
- Maintenance of links and constraints among all documents (parts, assemblies, and drawings)
- Complete metadata for PLM synchronization
- Retire the legacy CAD system(s) and hardware
Getting high quality and consistent legacy data migration results is challenging. There are dozens of variables that affect whether a migrated model is usable or requires additional rework. DEXcenter Automation Framework incorporates the defined migration methodology in a repeatable way to ensure best practices.
When migrating data from a legacy systems into another, CAD Interop's approach normally involves multiple phases that allow customers to understand options that are available and implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies. Typically, in the initial stages of an CAD Interop Legacy Data Migration Project, interoperability testing is performed to define requirements and the determine best method to successfully migrate the legacy data. This testing includes the following key points:
While migration of standalone 2D drawings is focused on the effective mapping of these drawings into more modern formats, exchange of 3D models data is complicated by differing data representation, geometric tolerances and diverse modeling conventions and practices. These issues lead to CAD model re-work, re-mastering, and in some cases, design divergence.
Companies worldwide are still burdened with legacy 2D drawings in formats such as CADAM, CADDS, Anvil and CADRA in addition to CATIA, NX, Pro/E and SolidWorks.
