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1

CAD Integration
EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

Accuracy of Imported CAD Data


The accuracy of the CAD model that is imported into EdgeCAM is a crucial element in defining the
accuracy to which the model can be machined. To ensure that the model is machined to the required
accuracy in EdgeCAM you should ensure that the model is created in the CAD system to at least the
desired machining tolerance.
Also see the notes in Loading of Granite Models (Solid Machinist for Granite licence only)
Please refer to the documentation of your CAD system on how to check and/or configure the accuracy of
the model to be exported.

CAD Integration

EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

CAD File Formats Supported

EdgeCAM supports a wide range of CAD file formats, as shown in the table below. For an up to date list of
the versions supported, see the What's New help. For a list of the licences required, see Solid CAD
Systems and EdgeCAM Licenses.
Type of model

CAD system/file Format

Solids

CAD Integration
EdgeCAM Part Modeler

EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
Autodesk Inventor
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
CATIA V5
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directlySolidWorks
into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.
Solid Edge
Pro/Desktop
Importing and Exporting IGES Files
Importing VDA-FS Files

Pro/ENGINEER
Wildfire, Wildfire 2

Importing MicroStation Files

Native Parasolid

Importing AutoCAD Files

Native ACIS

Exporting DXF Files


Surfaces
Importing ACIS Files

VDA-FS

Solid CAD Integration

IGES

CATIA Loader

CATIA V4
DWG
DXF

Wireframe
VDA-FS
IGES
CATIA V4
DWG
DXF

EdgeCAM User Guide

STL

CAD Integration
EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing IGES Files
There are two alternatives for importing IGES files: Standard IGES Import and New IGES Import.
If you have an IGES file that does not load using the standard IGES translator we recommend that you try
loading it using the new importer.
Note that when using New IGES Import, the files always open in the units set in the EdgeCAM defaults file
(with appropriate scaling if necessary). When using Standard IGES Import, the files open in their internallyspecified units.

CAD Integration

allows you
to seamlessly
importinmodels
from
third
party
CAD
while
the5.2
high
level of
EdgeCAM supports
IGES
files generated
a version
later
than
IGES
3.0systems
and up to
IGES
inclusive,
support to
forthe
industry
standard translators
gives you full CAD independence.
subject
list of supported
entity types.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid
Exporting
IGESparts.
FilesIt allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.
There are two alternatives for exporting ('saving as') to IGES files: Standard IGES Export gives better
support of 2D annotation (dimensioning) while the New IGES Export may offer better results with certain
types
of surface
models.IGES Files
Importing
and Exporting
IGES files
will be
output in IGES Version 5.2 format
Importing
VDA-FS
Files
Importing MicroStation Files
See Also
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting IGES Files from CATIA
Exporting DXF Files
Entity-Related Problems
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

Using the Standard IGES Import Option


To use the standard IGES Import:
1. In the Options menu click Preferences. In the dialog that appears, click to uncheckNew IGES
Import in the General tab. (This setting is retained until you change it.)
2. Open your IGES part file as normal.
3. Complete the IGES Import dialog that opens. For example you select the types of entity to import. For
full details click the dialog's Help button, or click here.

CAD Integration

EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
When loading an IGES format ASCII file, you overwrite any existing part; therefore, you need to
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
confirm your action.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
Once
you have
a file name,
standard
IGES Import
dialog iswhere
displayed.
code from
solid specified
parts. It allows
you to the
import
files directly
into EdgeCAM
a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.
EdgeCAM supports IGES files generated in a version later than IGES 3.0 and up to IGES 5.2 inclusive,
subject to the list of supported entity types.
Importing and Exporting IGES Files
EdgeCAM supports two alternative IGES import systems (Standard IGES Import and New IGES Import).
Importing
Files
If you haveVDA-FS
an IGES
file that does not load using the standard IGES translator we recommend that you try
loading
it
using
the
new
translator.
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

Entities Supported in Standard IGES Import

If the .igs file to be loaded was previously exported from EdgeCAM, any existing entity Names are also
loaded.
The Standard IGES Import Option does not import BREP Solids (the New IGES Import Option does).

IGES Entity Number

IGES Entity

100

Circular arc

CAD Integration

Equivalent EdgeCAM Entity


Arc

102
curve from third party CAD Continuous*
EdgeCAM
allows you to seamlessly Composite
import models
systems while the high level of
support
for
industry
standard
translators
gives
you
full
CAD
independence.
104
Conic
Conic

EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
106 Form 11
Planar linear curve
Multiple lines
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features
to manufacture.
106 Form offer
12 a quick and reliable route
3D linear
curve
Multiple lines
106 Form 20

Centre line

Importing
and Exporting IGES Files Centre line through circle centres
106 Form 21
Importing VDA-FS Files
106 Form 31-38

Multiple lines
Multiple lines

Section entity

Multiple lines

Witness line

Witness line

Simple closed area

Multiple lines

108

Plane

Boundary continuous only

110

Line

Line

112

Parametric spline curve

Parametric spline curve

114

Parametric spline surface

Parametric spline surface

116

Point

Point

118

Ruled Surface

Ruled Surface

120

Surface of revolution

Surface of revolution

122

Tabulated cylinder

Tabulated cylinder

124

Transformation matrix

Transformation matrix

126

Rational B spline curve

Rational B spline curve

128

B spline surface

B spline surface

140

Offset surface

Geometric (not tool) offset surface

141

Bounded curve

Surface curve

142

Surface curve

Surface curve

143

Bounded surface

Trimmed Surface

144

Trimmed Surface

Trimmed Surface

202

Angular dimension

Angular dimension

206

Diameter dimension

Diameter dimension

212

General note

Text

214

Leader arrow

Arrow

216

Linear dimension

Linear dimension

222

Radial dimension

Radial dimension

Importing MicroStation Files


106 Form 40

Importing AutoCAD Files


106 Form 63

Exporting DXF Files


Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

230

Sectioned area

Crosshatch

308

Subfigure definition

Group*

402 Forms 1,7

Associativity instance

Group*

404

Drawing entity

Not annotation entities

406

Property instance

Group

408

Subfigure Instance

Group*

410

View

View

CAD Integration

EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
*...or
individual
entities.
support
for industry
standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

Using the Standard IGES Export Option


Standard IGES Export gives better support of 2D annotation (dimensioning) while the New IGES Export
may offer better results with certain types of surface models.
To use the standard IGES Export:
1. In the Options menu click Preferences. In the dialog that appears, click to uncheckNew IGES
Export in the General tab. (This setting is retained until you change it.)

CAD Integration

2. Use Save As to save your part, setting the Save File as Type parameter to IGES File (*.igs or
*.iges).
EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support
3. Complete
for industry
the standard translators
IGES Export
gives
dialog
youthat
full opens.
CAD independence.
For full details click the dialog's Help button,
or click here.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code
fromfiles
solid
parts.
It allows
you toversion
import 5.2
filesformat.
directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
IGES
will
be output
in IGES
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

Standard IGES Export - Part Info Options


Comments Enter any comments on the IGES output file.
Sender ID The part name ID used by the sender (you).
Receiver ID The part name ID used by the receiver (the person to whom you are going to send the IGES
file).
Author The name of the Designer or Draughtsman.

CAD Integration

Company ID The name of the originating company.

EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

10

Entities Supported with Standard IGES Export

11

Names given to entities when created in EdgeCAM are included in the .igs file next to the data for those
entities.
Note that the export of solids is not supported.

EdgeCAM Entity

Equivalent IGES Entity

Arc

Circular arc

IGES Entity No

CAD Integration100

Continuous allows you to seamlesslyComposite


curve from third party CAD
102systems while the high level of
EdgeCAM
import models
support
for industry standard translators
Conic
Conic gives you full CAD independence.
104

EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
Line
Line
110
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features
Polyline offer a quick and reliable route
Line to manufacture.
110
Parametric spline curve

Parametric spline curve

Importing
Parametric and
splineExporting
surface IGES FilesParametric spline surface
Importing VDA-FS Files
Point

112
114

Point

116

Ruled surface

118

Surface of revolution

120

Tabulated cylinder

Tabulated cylinder

122

Transformation matrix

Transformation matrix

124

Rational B spline curve


Bezier spline curve

Rational B spline curve

Importing MicroStation Files


Ruled surface

Importing AutoCAD Files


Surface of revolution

Exporting DXF Files


Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

B spline surface
Bezier spline surface
Flowed surface
Coons Patch
Extended surface
Joined surface

126

128

B spline surface

Geometric (not tool) offset surface

Offset surface

140

Surface curve

Curve on a parametric surface

142

Trimmed surface

Trimmed surface

144

Angular dimension

Angular dimension

202

Diameter dimension

Diameter dimension

206

Text and arrow(s)

General label

210

Text

General note

212

Arrow

Leader arrow

214

Linear dimension

Linear dimension

216

Radial dimension

Radial dimension

222

EdgeCAM User Guide

Using the New IGES Import

12

To use the new IGES Import:


1. In the Options menu click Preferences. In the dialog that appears, click to check New IGES Import
in the General tab. Click OK. (This setting is retained until you change it.)
2. Open your IGES part file as normal.
3. Complete the IGES Import dialog that opens. For example you select the types of entity to import,
whether to convert BREP data and whether to 'Load as Parasolid body' (requires a Solid Machinist
and Part Modeler licence).
EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support
Note
for industry
that the standard
file openstranslators
in the unitsgives
specified
you full
in the
CAD
EdgeCAM
independence.
defaults file. If this is different to the
internal units of the file, the geometry is scaled automatically (so you can start work on the part
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
immediately).
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features
Foroffer
full details
a quickclick
and the
reliable
dialog's
route
Help
to manufacture.
button, or click here.

CAD Integration

EdgeCAM supports IGES files generated in a version later than IGES 3.0 and up to IGES 5.2 inclusive,
subject
to and
the list
of supported
entity types.
Importing
Exporting
IGES Files
When loading
Importing
VDA-FSIGES
Files files containing both model and drawing data the latter may not always be fully
loaded. This effect will vary from file to file depending on the way the data is written by the sending system.
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing
AutoCAD Files
Notes
Exporting DXF Files
Unsupported
Importing
ACIS Filesentities are not translated, an entry will be made in the log file.
WhenIntegration
loading surfaces, open surface trimming boundaries will be closed automatically (dialog option).
Solid CAD
will only be imported as line and text entities.
CATIADimensions
Loader
Imported Subfigure Instances are exploded to create EdgeCAM entities.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Entities Supported when Using New IGES Import

13

Note that dimensions will only be imported as line and text entities.

IGES Entity Number

IGES Entity

Equivalent EdgeCAM Entity

100

Circular arc

Arc

102

Composite curve

Continuous

CAD Integration
Conic

104

Conic

EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
106 Form 11
Planar linear curve
Multiple lines
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
106 Form 12

3D linear curve

Multiple lines

106 Form 21

Centre line through circle centres

Multiple lines

106 Form 31-38

Section entity

Multiple lines

106 Form 40

Witness line

Witness line

106 Form 63
Importing
MicroStation Files

Simple closed area

Multiple lines

108
Importing
AutoCAD Files

Plane

Boundary continuous only

110
Exporting
DXF Files

Line

Line

Importing
ACIS Files
112

Parametric spline curve

Parametric spline curve

Solid
114 CAD Integration

Parametric spline surface

Parametric spline surface

CATIA
Loader
116

Point

Point

118

Ruled Surface

Ruled Surface

120

Surface of revolution

Surface of revolution

122

Tabulated cylinder

Tabulated cylinder

124

Transformation matrix

Transformation matrix

126

Rational B spline curve

Rational B spline curve

128

B spline surface

B spline surface

140

Offset surface

Geometric (not tool) offset surface

141

Boundary curve

Surface curve

142

Surface curve

Surface curve

143

Bounded surface

Trimmed Surface

144

Trimmed Surface

Trimmed Surface

402 Forms 1,7

Associativity instance

Surface group, curve group or individual


entities

408

Subfigure Instance

Group*

EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code
from20solid parts. It allows you toCentre
import
wide range of innovative
106 Form
linefiles directly into EdgeCAM where
Multiple alines
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files

* or individual entities

EdgeCAM User Guide

Using the New IGES Export Option


Standard IGES Export gives better support of 2D annotation (dimensioning) while the New IGES Export
may offer better results with certain types of surface models.
To use the New IGES Export:
1. In the Options menu click Preferences. In the dialog that appears, click to check New IGES Export
in the General tab. (This setting is retained until you change it.)

CAD Integration

2. UseSave As to save your part, setting the Save File as Type parameter to IGES File (*.igs or
*.iges).
EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support
3. Complete
for industry
the standard
New IGES
translators
Export dialog
givesthat
youopens.
full CAD
Forindependence.
full details click the dialog's Help button or
clickhere.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code
Notesfrom solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.
IGES files will be output in IGES Version 5.2 format
Solids, dimensions and view definitions are not supported in the new IGES Export
Importing and Exporting IGES Files
The JAMA-IS option does not support offset surfaces
Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

14

New IGES Export dialog, Part Information tab


Comments - Click Edit to enter any comments on the IGES output file.
Conversion Tolerance - Specify a tolerance to use when converting EdgeCAM surface/curve entities to
NURBS.
Sender Identification - The part name ID used by the sender (you).
Receiver Identification - The part name ID used by the receiver (the person to whom you are going to
send the IGES file).

CAD Integration

Author- The name of the designer or draughtsman of the input file.


EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
Company
- The
name of the
originating
company
(the company that produces the IGES file).
support for Identification
industry standard
translators
gives
you full CAD
independence.
Minimum
- Specifies
the integrated
minimum mathematical
resolution
for the
data. If astrategies
gap between
EdgeCAM Resolution
Solid Machinist
is a totally
CAM system for
generating
machining
and NC
contiguous
entities
is
less
than
this,
it
is
considered
to
be
closed.
The
default
depends
on
theof
units
used,
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range
innovative
metric:
0.000001or
Inches:
0.00000004.
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.
Drafting Standard - The standard to which the drawing was produced. Click here to view the available
options.
Importing and Exporting IGES Files
Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

15

Entities supported when Using the New IGES Export Option


Names given to entities when created in EdgeCAM are included in the .igs file next to the data for those
entities.
Note that solids, dimensions and view definitions are not supported in the new IGES Export.

EdgeCAM Entity

Equivalent IGES Entity

Arc

Circular Arc

IGES Entity No

CAD Integration100

Continuous allows you to seamlesslyComposite


curve from third party CAD
102systems while the high level of
EdgeCAM
import models
support
for industry standard translators
Conic
Conic gives you full CAD independence.
104

EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
Line
110
code
from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
Polyline
Line
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.
Parametric spline curve

Parametric spline curve

112

Parametric and
splineExporting
surface IGES FilesParametric spline surface
Importing

114

Point
Importing
VDA-FS Files

Point

116

Ruled surface
Importing
MicroStation Files

Ruled surface

118

Importing
AutoCAD Files
Surface of revolution

Surface of revolution

120

Exporting
DXF Files
Tabulated cylinder

Tabulated cylinder

122

Importing
ACIS
Files
Transformation
matrix

Transformation matrix

124

Solid CAD Integration


B spline curve

Bezier spline
curve
CATIA
Loader
B spline surface
Bezier surface
Flowed surface
Coons Patch
Extended surface
Joined surface
Fillet surface

126
B spline curve

B spline surface

128

Geometric (not tool) offset surface

Offset surface

140

Surface curve

Surface curve

142

Trimmed surface

Trimmed surface

144

Surface group

Group

402

EdgeCAM User Guide

16

Exporting IGES Files from CATIA


Most CAD systems provide different output options for the exporting of IGES files. For best results when
loading a CATIA IGES file into EdgeCAM we recommend the following output options in CATIA:

Entity Type

Setting

IGES level

Standard

Curves and Surfaces

B Spline

CAD Integration

EdgeCAM
allows you to B
seamlessly
import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
Conics
Spline
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
Canonical Surfaces
B Spline
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

17

Entity-Related Problems

18

Different CAD/CAM systems may create entities that exist successfully in the EdgeCAM 3D part model, but
problems can still occur. Some common problems include:
Repeated entities and/or entities with the same end points
The major problem is that these entities may stop a Chain.
Copy one of these double entities to an hidden layer and redraw the part using one of the toolbar icons or
theRedraw (View menu) command to reveal the underlying entities.

CAD Integration

EdgeCAM allows
you to
seamlessly
import
Consecutive
entities
with
inaccurate
endmodels
points from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
A minor problem to resolve; use the Trim (Edit menu) command to trim the end points together.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
Continuous
in IGES
features offerentities
a quick and
reliable route to manufacture.
To allow access to the underlying entities use the Explode (Edit menu) command. All the entities will then
be selectable as single entities.
Importing and Exporting IGES Files
Importing
Files
Surfaces VDA-FS
from other
CAD/CAM systems
Importing
MicroStation
Always
verify
a surface Files
type using the Entity (Verify menu) command to ensure that the IGES transfer has
maintained
the
surface
type.
Problems can occur when the surface was defined in the sender's CAD/CAM
Importing AutoCAD Files
system as a ruled surface but may be transferred in the IGES file as a different type. You need to identify
Exporting
Files
the surfaceDXF
in EdgeCAM
so that you can apply entity masking or selection.
Importing ACIS Files
Transformed
entities
Solid CAD Integration
Ensure
that the transferred part is at an origin known to you. Many design engineers will set a local origin for
CATIA Loader
their convenience.
For example, a car may have the origin of all the major components relative to the front bumper, or an
aircraft may have its major components relative to the centre of gravity. To resolve this problem, translate
the part to the origin prior to any machining operations.
Loading speed of IGES entities
Problems with the loading speed of IGES can be caused by the relationship between the units of some
IGES entities and the EdgeCAM system tolerance. In these cases the 'Conversion Tolerance' option on
theAdvanced tab of the IGES load dialog can be used to override the system tolerance to ensure that the
file is loaded correctly. The default value for the conversion tolerance is the system tolerance value that is
specified in the defaults file.

EdgeCAM User Guide

Importing VDA-FS Files

19

To load a VDA-FS format file into EdgeCAM, use the Open (File menu) command and set the List Files of
Type parameter to VDA-FS.
The following table lists all the VDA-FS entities which are currently supported by EdgeCAM:

Command Word

VDA Element

EdgeCAM Entity

CAD Integration

POINT
Point
Point
EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
PSET for industry standard translators
Point gives
sequence
One or more lines
support
you full CAD independence.
EdgeCAM
Solid Machinist is a totally
integrated
CAM system for generating
machining strategies and NC
MDI
Point
vector sequence
not supported
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
CIRCLE offer a quick and reliable route
Circle/circular
arc
Arc
features
to manufacture.
CURVE

Curve

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


SURF
Surface
Importing VDA-FS Files
CONS
Curve on surface
Importing MicroStation Files
FACE
Bounded surface
Importing AutoCAD Files
TOP
Topology of surface
Exporting
DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

Spline curve
Spline surface
Surface curve
Trimmed surface
not supported

Importing MicroStation Files

20

To import an IGDS file into EdgeCAM, use the Open (File menu) command and set the List Files of Type
parameter to DGN. Once you have selected the file name of the .dgn file, a dialog box displays these
parameters:
Dimensions Select this option to include dimensioning information in the file.
Surfaces Select this option to include surface data in the file.
Units Select the output part units.

CAD Integration

EdgeCAM
seamlessly
models from
third party
CADfile
systems
the high level of
Log
File allows
Specifyyou
thetotype
of log fileimport
to be produced
to record
the .dgn
outputwhile
process.
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
Name Specify a name for the report file.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
Verbose
Select
this option
foryou
the to
logimport
file tofiles
contain
more
detailed
information.
code from solid
parts.
It allows
directly
into
EdgeCAM
where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.
This table lists all the MicroStation IGDS entities which are currently supported by EdgeCAM, with details of
how they are interpreted, where applicable.
Importing and Exporting IGES Files
Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

Loading AutoCAD Files

21

You have a choice of loaders for AutoCAD files, that you make in the Preferences dialog (Options menu):

Use the 'new loader', that you need to open the 2004 format AutoCAD files.
(This can open any format. Dimensions are not imported.)
Use the 'old loader' that can open AutoCAD files prior to the 2004 format.

CAD Integration
The
two loaders
different
levelsimport
of attribute
support;
this party
is detailed
elsewhere
in the
the of
Table
EdgeCAM
allowshave
you to
seamlessly
models
from third
CAD systems
while
thehelp
high(inlevel
of
Contents
see the standard
other topics
in the same
topic).
support
for industry
translators
givesbook
you as
fullthis
CAD
independence.
The
'old loader'
the default.
EdgeCAM
SolidisMachinist
is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.
To load ACIS entities you need the 'ACIS Solids Interface' licence (Product Code EN000-S). This option
will not appear on the dialog if you do not have the licence.
Importing and Exporting IGES Files
Importing VDA-FS Files
ACIS entities
cannotFiles
be loaded via the AutoCAD loader..
Importing
MicroStation
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

Model Space and Paper Space


AutoCAD has two distinct co-ordinate system modes:
Model space the normal three-dimensional co-ordinate system in which the 3D design is generated.
Paper space a two dimensional projection of the model space onto a fixed size space in screen coordinates.
As well as the Model space entities projected onto the Paper space, further entities can be added to the
Paper space, typically drawing borders and frames. These entities do not exist in Model space, and are not,
therefore, supported by this loader.

CAD Integration

Only
those allows
entitiesyou
defined
in Model import
space are
loaded
into
EdgeCAM.
EdgeCAM
to seamlessly
models
from
third
party CAD systems while the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
Note: Associative
dimensions
created
in Model
space
andfor
are
therefore machining
imported. However,
EdgeCAM
Solid Machinist
is a are
totally
integrated
CAM
system
generating
strategiesEdgeCAM
and NC
does from
not support
associative
code
solid parts.
It allowsdimensioning.
you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

22

Layers from AutoCAD

23

AutoCAD and EdgeCAM both support named layers so the layer names contained in a DXF or DWG file will
be retained when the data is loaded into EdgeCAM.
Exporting DXF Files
Please note that EdgeCAM layer names should only contain the following characters: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, _
or double-byte (Kanji) characters. All other characters (including empty spaces) are converted to _. This
would result in tool.1 and tool 1 both being put on layer tool_1 in the .dxf file.

CAD Integration

EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

Colour Support

24

AutoCAD supports a palette of 255 colours, but EdgeCAM supports 32 colours. Therefore the loader maps
each AutoCAD colour to the closest matching EdgeCAM colour.

CAD Integration
EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

Entities Supported when Loading AutoCAD Files


This section lists the AutoCAD entities supported by the loaders and the equivalent entity type that is
created in the EdgeCAM database.

AutoCAD Entity

Equivalent EdgeCAM entity

Line

Line

CAD Integration
Line

3D line

EdgeCAM
allows you to seamlessly import modelsLine
from(1third
CAD systems
Pline
lineparty
per segment
of the while
Pline)the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
Point
Point
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code
into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
Circlefrom solid parts. It allows you to import files directly
Arc
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.
Arc
Arc
Text
Importing
and Exporting IGES Files

Text

Importing
3DFace VDA-FS Files

2 lines and a ruled surface

Importing
3Dsolid MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files

Trim surfaces (not supported by DXF import)

Exporting DXF Files


Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

25

Block and Group Entity Support


AutoCAD supports more than one group type entity, namely Shape, Polyline and Block.
These can be recursive; for example, a block can contain another block, which contains a polyline.
Because group/continuous entities in EdgeCAM are not recursive, only the top level group entity is
supported.
AutoCAD supports blocks that contain all types of entities, but EdgeCAM only supports groups that contain
Lines, Arcs or Points. In this case the group only contains the compatible entity types.

CAD Integration

Also, AutoCAD block entities can have elements of different colour/layer/style. This is not supported in
EdgeCAM allows
you to
models
from
third party CAD However,
systems while
high
of
EdgeCAM,
so groups
areseamlessly
created in import
the default
block
colour/layer/style.
if the the
group
is level
exploded,
support
for industry
translators
gives you entities.
full CAD independence.
the
different
colours standard
can be seen
in the underlying
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

26

Style (Linetype) Support

27

AutoCAD supports user-definable linetypes. The only standard linetype is Continuous, which is converted to
EdgeCAMs Solid style. All other types are converted into one of the non-solid fonts on an arbitrary basis.

CAD Integration
EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

Text and Dimensioning Entity Support


Text Entity Support
AutoCAD supports many more text fonts than EdgeCAM. It also supports proportional fonts, which
EdgeCAM does not. For these reasons, text entities cannot be exactly reproduced. Certain symbols such
as degree (), diameter and the plus/minus tolerance () symbol are not supported.
All text is imported in standard font, using the height and width information from AutoCAD. In some cases
this may result in text that is bigger than the original, if it was using a proportional font.

CAD Integration

Text lines of a maximum of 200 characters can be loaded any lines which exceed this limit will be
truncated.
EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
Dimensioning
Support
EdgeCAM SolidEntity
Machinist
is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code
from solid entities
parts. Itare
allows
you to
import
files directly
EdgeCAM
If
dimensioning
loaded,
they
will appear
in theinto
active
CPL. where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

28

Entities Supported when Loading AutoCAD Files


For the new loader, here are the translations between AutoCAD and EdgeCAM entities:

AutoCAD Entity

EdgeCAM Entity

Notes

3D Face

Ruled Surface

Explode

3D Solid

Not Supported

construction entities
CADSolid
Integration

Proxy Entity
Not Supported
EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support
for industry standard
translators gives you full CAD independence.
Arc
Arc
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
AttDef
Not Supported
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features
andSupported
reliable route to manufacture.
Attrib offer a quickNot
Importing and Exporting IGES Files
Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Block
Group or exploded
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files

These can be optionally exploded, by


checking 'DWG/DXF Explode Blocks' in
the Preferences dialog General tab
(Options menu).
The option applies to blocks containing
only line, arc or point entities. Blocks
containing other entities are always
exploded.

Solid CAD Integration

If not exploded, AutoCAD blocks


become EdgeCAM groups.

CATIA
Body Loader

Not Supported

ACIS solid body

Circle

Arc

Dimension

Not Supported

Ellipse

Ellipse

Hatch

Not Supported

Includes solid fill option

Image

Not Supported

Embedded bit map

Insert

Various entities

Explode

Leader

Not Supported

Line

Line

LWPolyline

Continuous

MLine

Lines

Multi line entity

MText

Not Supported

Text including true type fonts & word


wrap

OLEFrame

Not Supported

Also OLE2Frame

Point

Point

PolyLine

Continuous/explode

Ray

Construction Line &


Point

Various AutoCAD entity types

EdgeCAM User Guide

29

Region

Explode and create ruled


surface

SEQEnd

N/A

Shape

Explode and create


group

Solid

Explode and create ruled


surface

30
End of sequence marker

CAD Integration

Spline or BSpline as
EdgeCAM
Spline
allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
appropriate
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
Text
Not Supported
EdgeCAM
Solid Machinist
is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
Tolerance
Not Supported
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.
Explode and create ruled
surface
Importing and Exporting IGES Files
UCS
CPL
Importing VDA-FS Files
Trace

Vertex MicroStation
Various
Importing
Files

Used for poly line segments etc.

Importing
Viewport AutoCAD Files
Not Supported
Exporting
DXF Files Construction Line
XLine
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

AutoCAD Attribute Support


Attribute

31

Supported

Line Style:
Solid/Continuous
Dotted
Hidden/Dashed
Centre

Yes

CAD Integration

EdgeCAM
to seamlessly No
import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
Line Styleallows
- useryou
defined
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
Line Weight
No
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.
Note that if attributes are assigned on a bylayer basis then this same method will be followed in EdgeCAM.
Importing and Exporting IGES Files
Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

Exporting DXF Files

32

To export a DXF file from EdgeCAM, use the Save As (File menu) command and set the Save File as
Type parameter to DXF.
The DXF export option will only save entities that lie n a 2D plane. Interconnecting entities between XY
planes at different Z levels will not be exported.
The following table lists all AutoCAD DXF (Drawing eXchange Format) entities that can be exported by
EdgeCAM, with details of how they are interpreted, where applicable:

CAD Integration

EdgeCAMallows
Entityyou to seamlessly import modelsEquivalent
DXF CAD
Entity
EdgeCAM
from third party
systems while the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
Line

LINE

EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
Arc from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly
ARC
code
into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features
offer
a
quick
and
reliable
route
to
manufacture.
Arc
CIRCLE
Point

POINT

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Text

TEXT

Importing VDA-FS Files


Group

DIMENSION

Importing MicroStation Files


Multiple boundary lines

SOLID

Continuous

TRACE

Multiple lines and arcs

POLYLINE/VERTEX/SEQEND

Line CAD Integration


Solid

3DLINE

Multiple Loader
lines
CATIA

3DFACE

Group

BLOCK/ENDBLK/INSERT

Importing AutoCAD Files


Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files

Line Styles:

EdgeCAM Style

Equivalent AutoCAD DXF Style

Continuous

Continuous

Dot

Dot

Dashed

Dashed

Hidden

Hidden

Dashdot

Dashdot

Centre

Centre

See Also
Specifying Parameters when Saving DXF Files

EdgeCAM User Guide

Specifying Parameters when Saving DXF Files


Once you have specified the file name of the DXF file, a dialog box is displayed which contains this
parameter:
Dimensioning Select this parameter to include EdgeCAM dimension entities in the output file.
The output is 2D; that is, X and Y co-ordinates plus elevations.

CAD Integration
EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

Importing and Exporting IGES Files


Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

33

Loading STL Files

34

To load a STL format file into EdgeCAM, use the Open (File menu) command and set the List Files of
Type parameter to STL.
You can also insert an STL file using the Insert, STL File (File menu) command.
When opening or inserting an STL file, EdgeCAM will automatically generate a bounding box. The STL file
will be loaded/inserted using the current layer, colour and font for the solid.
You can intellisnap the corner points of the triangles which is useful for creating boundaries and digitising
cycle depth parameters.

CAD Integration

EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
STL entities can be rotated, translated, mirrored and scaled using the appropriate Edit, Transform
commands.
For Machinist
large STL is
models,
any
transformation
may take
time. machining
Please note
that scaling
part
EdgeCAM
Solid
a totally
integrated
CAM system
for some
generating
strategies
andaNC
will scale
tolerance
whichyou
thetotriangles
represent
original
model.
code
fromthe
solid
parts. It to
allows
import files
directlythe
into
EdgeCAM
where a wide range of innovative
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.
Please note that STL files can only be machined using surface cycles (except Surface Areaclear and
Surface Lace).
Importing and Exporting IGES Files
Importing VDA-FS Files
Importing MicroStation Files
Importing AutoCAD Files
Exporting DXF Files
Importing ACIS Files
Solid CAD Integration
CATIA Loader

EdgeCAM User Guide

CATIA V4 Loader

35

Requires the CATIA Loader licence (EN000-7)


The Catia V4 loader provides the ability to load CATIA model (*.model) and export (*.exp) files from CATIA
V4 into EdgeCAM.
To import CATIA model or export files into EdgeCAM, use the Open (File menu) command and set the
Files of Type parameter to CATIA Model Files (*.model) or CATIA Export Files (*.exp).

CAD Integration

Note that there is also a loader for CATIA V5 files - see Solid CAD Systems and EdgeCAM Licenses.
EdgeCAM allows you to seamlessly import models from third party CAD systems while the high level of
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
Entities supported in the CATIA V4 Loader
EdgeCAM Solid Machinist is a totally integrated CAM system for generating machining strategies and NC
When opening a CATIA V4 file you can specify the entity types that you want to load (by default all types
code from solid parts. It allows you to import files directly into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
are selected):
features offer a quick and reliable route to manufacture.
CATIA Entity
Importing and Exporting IGES Files

EdgeCAM Entity

Point

Point

Line
Importing
MicroStation Files

Line

Circle
Importing
AutoCAD Files

Arc

Ellipse
Exporting
DXF Files

Ellipse

Importing
Parabola/Hyperbola
ACIS Files

Nurbs Curve

Solid
Curve CAD Integration

Nurbs Curve

CATIA
Loader
Composite
Curve

Nurbs Curve

Surface

Nurbs Surface

Face

Trimmed Surface

Volume/Skin/Exact Solids/Skd

Trimmed Surfaces

Mockup Solids/Polyhedral Surface

Wire Frame/Trimmed Surfaces

Importing VDA-FS Files

Layers from CATIA V4


EdgeCAM entities will be created on the same layer as the original CATIA entities.
Whilst CATIA has numbered layers, EdgeCAM supports named layers. Thus, equivalent layers will be
created in EdgeCAM for those used in the CATIA file, for example
CATIA Layer

EdgeCAM layer

layer 5

123

layer123

EdgeCAM User Guide

Copyright

36

(C)1988-2005 Pathtrace Engineering Systems. All rights reserved.


Pathtrace Engineering Systems and its registered resellers or sub-resellers shall have no liability or
responsibility to the licensee or any other person or entity with respect to any liability, loss or damage
caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this product, including but not limited to any
interruption of service, loss of business or anticipatory profits or consequent damages resulting from the use
or operation of this software.

CAD Integration

Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.


MemoHASP
is a registered
trademark
of Aladdin
Knowledge
Ltd.
EdgeCAM allows
you to seamlessly
import
models
from third Systems
party CAD
systems while the high level of
NetSentinel
is
a
trademark
of
Rainbow
Technologies,
Inc.
support for industry standard translators gives you full CAD independence.
OpenGL(r) and Optimizer are trademarks of Silicon Graphics Inc.
EdgeCAM
Machinist
a totally integrated
CAM
Parasolid isSolid
a trademark
ofisUnigraphics
Solutions
Inc.system for generating machining strategies and NC
code fromInventor
solid parts.
you to import
files directly
Autodesk
(tm)Itisallows
a trademark
of Autodesk
Inc. into EdgeCAM where a wide range of innovative
features offer
and reliable
route
manufacture.
SolidWorks
is aa quick
registered
trademark
of to
SolidWorks
Corporation.
Solid Edge is a registered trademark of EDS Inc.
PTC, Pro/DESKTOP, Pro/ENGINEER(r), GRANITE (tm) One, are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Importing and
ExportingCorporation
IGES Files or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and in other countries.
Parametric
Technology
AutoCAD
and
DXF
are
registered
trademarks of Autodesk Inc.
Importing VDA-FS Files
MicroStation is a trademark of Bentley Systems Inc., an affiliate of Intergraph Corporation.
Importing
IGDS
is a MicroStation
trademark of Files
Intergraph Corporation.
EdgeCAM
Simulator
and
Importing AutoCAD Files EdgeCAM Verify use technology developed by Lightworks Designs Ltd.
ACIS is a trademark of Spatial Technology, Inc., and was developed in co-operation with Three-Space, Ltd.,
Exporting
DXF
Files and Applied Geometry Corporation, Seattle, Washington.
Cambridge,
England,
Importing
ACIS
Files
Other
brands
and
product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
Solidinformation
CAD Integration
The
contained within this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent
a
commitment
on
the part of the vendor. The software described in this document is furnished under a
CATIA Loader
licence agreement and may only be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

Pathtrace Engineering Systems


45 Boulton Road Reading Berkshire England RG2 0NH
Telephone +44 (0)118 975 6084 Facsimile +44 (0)118 975 6143
http://www.edgecam.com

EdgeCAM User Guide

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