A. Acc-u-Trans provides an advanced technology solution to CAD data exchange problems. Hailed as "innovative next-generation translating software" by Computer Aided Design Report industry critics, TTI's software allows companies to effectively communicate complex, highly precise CAD models between Pro/ENGINEER, CATIA, Unigraphics, and SDRC I-DEAS, with additional systems planned for this year.

TTI's native file translations provide a direct database conversion of models with the feature history tree intact--all original geometry and geometric features created in the original model are recreated in the specified target software application. For example, if the source system is Unigraphics and the target system is Pro/ENGINEER, all of the geometry and geometric features contained in Unigraphics would be re-created in Pro/ENGINEER.

The result is a streamlined feature-based native translation that enhances the manufacturing process and reduces costs.

A. Acc-u-Trans offers a solution to the CAD interoperability problem that has long plagued the engineering design and manufacturing industries. In doing so, it provides a reduction in both design cycle time and in cost, it gives engineers the ability to collaborate on design projects without repairing or rebuilding CAD designs, and it affords engineers the ability to design in the CAD system of their choice without concerns of CAD interoperability limitations.

A. The significance of Acc-u-Trans is that it offers:

• Fully modifiable features and entities (both parametric and associative) that are easier to work with than native file formats.

• The ability for companies to centralize on the one CAD system that best meets their needs, and reduces or eliminates the need to support multiple systems.

• The liberty to share CAD files across an organization or across an industry, regardless of the types of CAD systems being used by the parties sharing the files.

• Time savings--manual redraws, and the cleaning and healing associated with neutral file translations are no longer necessary.

• Verified accuracy--Acc-u-Trans has a 5-step system for ensuring translation accuracy. These 5 steps go above and beyond existing methods for verifying accuracy, making translations more efficient.

A. The uniqueness of Acc-u-Trans is that it allows users to move designs between various CAD systems with parametric history intact.

In addition to being modifiable, TTI's translations are also accurate. Acc-u-Trans compares every piece of geometry in the target file against the source file. Discrepancies, if any, are identified and rectified. The result is translated files that are fully native in the target system, modifiable by feature, and verified to be accurate. The files look and function as though they were created in the target CAD system.

The method used by TTI completely bypasses the use of neutral files such as IGES, STEP, or other similar topical methods and the potential errors and unnecessary artifacts the use of these formats create. TTI's translations avoid the need for cleanup or healing.

TTI is also, to the best of our knowledge, the only company on the market that delivers true feature-based native transitions both as a service and a licensed software solution.

A. Acc-u-Trans is available as a service or as a licensed software solution. Companies may also select a combination of both options.

A. What you have is a native file with an imported object in it, often referred to as a "dumb solid." Your ability to manipulate the file is limited by your specific CAD system's level of support for imported geometry. Usually you can add protrusions or cuts but it is very difficult to redefine, move, resize, or reshape them.

TTI provides file translations that allow you to manipulate the geometry with all of the functions and capabilities available to your specific CAD system.

A. Neutral file conversions are often adequate when all that is required is a dumb solid that will be used for manufacturing or packaging purposes. If the converted model is to be used in the design process there are four basic reasons that neutral files may not be well suited for the job:

• Accuracy: The only guarantee with a neutral file is that you can open it and work with it. It is difficult to know if the file has been converted accurately. Unless you have the native source file and some comparison tools to analyze the native source with the target geometry, you do not really know that the converted geometry is accurate. Subtle errors that go unnoticed often result in rejected or reworked molds, and scrapped parts are often incorrectly attributed to tool chatter, improper feed rates, etc.

• Modifiability: TTI's translations provide a direct database conversion of models with the feature history tree intact--all original geometry and geometric features created in the original model are recreated in the specified target software application. This means that a user can modify or redefine the model in the target system.

• When your customer, for example, decides to change a feature that defines the core or cavity geometry of a mold, wouldn't it be much quicker to simply regenerate the mold base with the updated part model file? With TTI's process the modified surface will automatically update to the correct new geometry. Your customer's revisions should have little or no impact upon your design costs. This is not the case with IGES, STEP and other neutral file formats.

• Time Savings: The most common method used to arrive at a truly native, fully modifiable converted model is to recreate the model from scratch in the target CAD system - a process commonly referred to as "re-mastering." Because TTI's Acc-u-Trans automates the process of converting parameters, dimensions, and features from the source model to the target model, the job can be completed in a fraction of the time spent on remastering.

• Cost:Acc-u-Transtranslations can drastically reduce the cost of converting 3D CAD files from one system to another by reducing the manual effort required. Customer case studies by clients such as Goodrich and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation revealed that Acc-u-Trans saved up to 50% of the cost associated with remodeling part files. In addition, design cycle times for translated parts were reduced by as much as 75%.

A. Some of the most common examples include:

• Errors introduced in the geometry. Because neutral file formats must take a least common denominator approach in order to accommodate many CAD/CAM packages, many compromises will be made.

• Lost design intent. For example, a dimension that defines geometry is not even a dimension anymore.

• Lost associations, parameters and other manufacturing information.

• File size: neutral files are typically large (3 to 10 times the size of the native file).

• Difficult repairs to damaged files. Most CAD/CAM applications do not directly support modification of imported neutral files.

• Difficulty in incorporating updates and revisions to the original part file after working with an imported file.

A. Parasolid translators are similar to exporting to a neutral format such as IGES or STEP. A Parasolid translation provides about the same functionality as a neutral file.

A. TTI currently offers translations to and from CATIA, SDRC I-DEAS, Unigraphics, and Pro/ENGINEER. Additional CAD systems will be added in 2002.

A. Translation time depends upon the size and complexity of the file, as well production loading. Once a customer gives bid approval, a typical TTI part translation can take as little as 48 hours.

A. Parts are quoted based on the number and complexity of the features that comprise the part. Assemblies are quoted based on the number of parts in the assembly and the average complexity of the parts as defined above.

Pricing and delivery is determined by analyzing the files and preparing a specific quotation of price and expected lead-time.