 |
|||||
                 |
 |
WHAT WE DO At the start of a round of testing (new rounds start every 6 months), instructions and data specifications are provided for creating one or more CAD models. These instructions/specifications are generic enough in nature so that the model can be created in any CAD system. For selection of the models, we try to balance the time it takes to create the models vs. the entity coverage it will provide. A conference call is held among all participants to ensure that there are no misunderstandings with regard to the instructions/specifications or procedures. Each participant creates the CAD model and translates it into STEP Part 21 file format. The STEP file is checked to ensure that it is syntactically, structurally, and semantically, correct via a web-based Testing and Analysis System. If the file meets these criteria, it is "vaulted", and an e-mail notification is sent out to the rest of the participants telling them the file has been approved for post-processing. The other CAx-IF participants download the STEP file and translate it into their native system. They then run various diagnostics on it depending on the type of geometry being tested, to further assess the semantic validity and functional quality of the information exchanged. Some of the statistics gathered are: Total number of solids A comma delimited ASCII file is created with the pertinent information from above, plus an issue code if any were encountered. This ASCII file is e-mailed to the CAx-IF, who performs statistical analysis across all participants. At the end of the round of testing, a meeting is held of all participants where the results and issues are discussed. Sometimes, if an ambiguous part of the standard is encountered, agreements are reached on how to interpret it. For more information on CAx Implementor Forum,
send email to:
|
|
||