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STEPcenter Enterprise Server

STEPcenter Enterprise Server V5.3 is an enterprise software application that automates the translation, validation and distribution of STEP data. STEPcenter is a pre-packaged offering that leverages the mature, robust capabilities of ITI TranscenData's DEXcenter and CADIQ solutions.

Added functionality, such as third-party translator integration, distributed processing, data security, and STEP-specific translation validation are also included. Jobs are submitted to STEPcenter, and a series of user-defined paths, configured within a server-based batch processing environment, launch the translation, validation and delivery processes.

The STEPcenter Process

In many manufacturing organizations, the delivery of a complete, validated, secured STEP file can be a multi-task, complicated process that often is executed in ad-hoc mode by multiple persons. STEPcenter provides a repeatable process that consistently executes the following proceedures:

  1. STEPcenter Server Receives Request for Data

  2. STEP Translation Process Executes

  3. STEP Validation Process Initiates

  4. STEP Data Package Created

  5. STEP Data Package is Distributed


Third Party Translator Integration

STEPcenter natively supports the following CAD systems: CATIA V4, CATIA V5, NX, Pro/ENGINEER, I-deas NX and SolidWorks. STEPcenter also integrates with most third-party translators, including proprietary translators and feature-based translators. The translation process completes on the server, in a batch process, with minimal user intervention required.

Translation Validation and the "Self-Validating" STEP File

Using ITI's CADIQ-based technology, STEPcenter can validate that the geometry in any STEP file (AP203, AP203E2, AP209, AP214, etc) is equivalent to the geometry in the master CAD model for both parts and assemblies.

STEPcenter can append a complete set of validation properties to a STEP file created by any translator. These native mass properties and geometric reference points enable the STEP file to be self-validating since with this added intelligence, a STEP import translator can validate that the imported CAD model is geometrically equivalent to the native CAD model.

CADIQ Created Self Validating STEP File

Example: Sampling points evaluated on the native model can be stored in the STEP model exported from CAD, or added by STEPcenter’s Enterprise Validation Server to enable precise validation after retrieval.

Complementing the PLM Environment

STEPcenter is a secure, open, SOA-compliant architecture that offers multiple integration paths, including paths for PLM and archival systems. The application fits within the bi-directional process of retrieving CAD data from the PLM system, processing the data, uploading it to an archival system, and vice versa.

 

Complementing the PLM Environment

 

ITI TranscenData’s Contributions to the STEP Community

Since the late 1980’s, ITI TranscenData has aided the industry’s adoption of STEP.  The company is a provider of STEP development tools for Siemens PLM, Autodesk, PTC and a number of other vendors.  Since 1988, ITI has also been involved with the non-profit STEP consortium, PDES Inc., with significant contributions to the following:

  • Development of validation tools for STEP
  • Defining 3D GD&T requirements, definitions, and tools
  • On-going development of technology for 3D GD&T functional validation

ITI is also an active member within the ProSTEP iVIP Association.  More recently, ITI’s contributions to the LOTAR Part 110 Pilot Project included the following:

  • Derivation of rules for geometry quality as applied to Long Term Data Retention (LTDR)
  • Statistical correlation study involving over 5000 STEP transactions for multiple CAD systems
  • Assessing CAD features and impacts on receiving systems

ITI TranscenData led the first production implementation of STEP at McDonnell Douglas, beginning with the C-17 program.

Existing Customers of STEPcenter based Technology

A sampling of customers using ITI TranscenData's STEPcenter embedded automation and validation technology includes large, product development programs for leading manufacturers: Airbus, Boeing, Honeywell, Inalfa, Kodak, Lockheed Martin, P&H Mining, Raytheon, Rockwell Collins, Samsung, Sauer Danfoss, Seagate Technologies, Snecma, Spirit Aerosystems, Thales, Toyota of Australia, Xerox and more.

Additional Details on the Technology behind STEPcenter