Delcam expands free online data exchange service

Delcam, the UK's leading developer of CADCAM software, has expanded the range of translation options available from its online data exchange service, PS-Exchange. Like the existing services, these new options will be provided totally free of charge for an introductory period. The complete PS-Exchange system will be converted into a "pay per translation" service during next year.

The new options result from the addition of the Parasolid XT format used by programs such as SolidWorks and Solid Edge to the supported formats for both input and output. The full range of options for input is now CATIA, Pro/Engineer (up to version 2000i), SolidWorks, Unigraphics, Parasolid XT, IGES, VDA and STEP, while files can be exported as IGES, Parasolid XT or as Delcam's own DGK format.

As well as being free of charge, PS-Exchange offers two advantages of over other online translation providers—speed and security. Other services require the CAD model to be sent to the service provider for translation and then returned. With PS-Exchange, the translation software is stored on the user's own computer. To use the service, the user simply obtains a real-time authorization from Delcam's web server—www.delcam.com.

This approach gives much faster results since transferring a short authorization code is much quicker and easier than transferring a complex CAD model. Once the authorization has been obtained, the translation itself should never take more than a few minutes

The service also gives total security. Since the model file stays within the users own computer, there is no chance of sensitive information being intercepted or mailed to an incorrect address.

To test PS-Exchange, simply download the software from the Delcam Web Site—www.delcam.com—and register to participate.

Delcam UK, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham, B10 0HJ, UK; phone: 0121 683 1081

Edited by Jim Lorincz
Managing Editor, Machine Tools Online
jlorincz@vertical.net