Modeling Software includes 4 ACIS® translators.

Press Release Summary:



CADKEY Workshop(TM) EX Freeform Model Exchange/Solid and Surface Modeling software combines complete freeform solid and surface modeling with Import CATIA® 4, Export CATIA 4, Import Pro/E®, and Import Unigraphics® translators. Pure Geometry(TM) core enables reading/editing of wireframe, surface, or solid geometry files imported from UNIX® and Windows®-based CAD systems. It can also generate tooling, fixtures, molds, dies, and machines from customer files.



Original Press Release:



CADKEY Corporation Announces New CADKEY Workshop EX Freeform Model Exchange Software



CADKEY Workshop EX Surface and Solid Modeling Software has Translators for CATIA®, Pro/E® and Unigraphics®.

Marlborough, MA - January 27, 2003 - CADKEY Corporation, a leading developer of Windows®-based mechanical design and drafting software used by mechanical design and manufacturing professionals worldwide for nearly two decades, announced today the release of a new Freeform Model Exchange / Solid and Surface Modeling software product called CADKEY Workshop(TM) EX. This new, innovative Model Exchange product combines the complete freeform solid and surface modeling of CADKEY Workshop V21 with four enhanced, integrated ACIS® translators from Spatial Corp: Import CATIA® 4, Export CATIA 4, Import Pro/E®, and Import Unigraphics®. The translators currently address the latest versions of their corresponding high-end CAD systems and are uniquely integrated as part of a complete freeform model editing and exchange solution. CADKEY Workshop EX V21 also includes translators for the import and export of ACIS®-SAT 1.5-8.0, Parasolid® X_T 7-14, STEP AP203 and AP 214, IGES, DWG/DXF(TM) 11-2000, and STL as well as export VRML and CGM files, among others. The product is ideal for anyone who needs to work with data from customers and suppliers because it has a Pure Geometry(TM) core that gives users the ability to read and edit wireframe, surface or solid geometry files imported from any other UNIX® or Windows®-based CAD system. Manufacturing engineers can use it to generate tooling, fixtures, molds, dies, machines, and more from customer files as needed during the manufacturing process. The product will debut at the National Design Engineering Show (NDES), March 3-6, Booth # 7108 (South Hall), as part of National Manufacturing Week at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.

Robert W. Bean, P.E., President and CEO of CADKEY Corporation, states, "This product is a 'must-have' for any manufacturer because it enables them to use just one CAD system for all of their file editing, as opposed to buying and maintaining one of every CAD system on the market. It is the ultimate in interoperability for anyone who receives files from a variety of sources and needs to edit them. Customers have the flexibility to model any part or assembly they need to design. We have imported many types of customer files and are continuously impressed with the quality of the translations. Once a file is imported, CADKEY Workshop EX's powerful surface and solid modeling tools can then take over and edit the file or use the file to create molds, dies and other machinery. Working with a customer, I read in their Pro/E part file and repaired it with CADKEY's healing wizard, modified the file and created additional CADKEY geometry per his requests, the way a typical user would. I also read in a complete mold design from a native Unigraphics file and was able to edit and modify the file. The high-end CAD translators in CADKEY Workshop EX were integrated for a fraction of what those can cost when sold separately."

Pro/E® Translator
The import Pro/E function imports freeform solid and surface 3D geometry directly from Pro/Engineer version 16 to 2000i2 files (.prt and .asm). CADKEY Workshop EX's ability to import and export the STEP AP203 & AP214 (.stp) file format is an effective mechanism to send model data from CADKEY Workshop EX back into Pro/Engineer.

Unigraphics® Translator
The import Unigraphics translator imports freeform, solid and surface 3D geometry directly from Unigraphics version 10 through 18 files (.prt). The translator allows filtering based on layer display status and entity blanked status. CADKEY Workshop EX includes the capability to import and export the Parasolid® (.x_t) file format, which is a native model format for Unigraphics, SolidEdge®, SolidWorks® and other CAD/CAM systems. This .x_t format is an effective way to send model data back into Unigraphics.

Catia® Translators
The import Catia 4 function allows wireframe, surface and solid model geometry to be imported from Catia 4.1 and 4.2 files (.model, .dlv and .exp) including proper handling of level and color attributes. Optional filters allow selective import based on entity type and exclusion based on special 'Noshow', and 'Nopick' Catia entity attributes. An export Catia 4 function allows wireframe, surface and solid model geometry to be saved to Catia 4.1.9 files (.mod, .exp and .dlv) including proper handling of level and color attributes.

Advanced Modeling and Design Functions
CADKEY Workshop EX is a complete freeform modeling solution that combines drafting, wireframe, freeform solid modeling, advanced freeform surface modeling, assembly modeling and mechanical libraries into one product. It allow users to access any modeling tool (2D, 3D wireframe, surface or solid) at any time during the design process, giving users the flexibility to model any part or assembly they need to design. And, since all of these tools use a pure geometry foundation, any imported model geometry (surface, solid or wireframe) from any other CAD system can be edited as if created natively in CADKEY Workshop EX. The product has integrated advanced surfacing capabilities that allow users to create and modify freeform and organic surfaces. Functions include skinning/lofting, draft, swept, filleting, variable and constant radius filleting, surface editing and trimming tools, core/cavity splitting, curvature analysis, and more. All surface functions now directly work on solid faces or sheet bodies created with solid functions and vice-versa.

Automated generation of features, fasteners and structural shapes based on ANSI, ISO or DIN standards, via dimension-driven formulas using a real-time preview window is also included. These automated routines speed design time and help reduce errors that can occur when drawing components manually each time. The product also offers advanced rendering capabilities, such as options for setting transparency and material for faces as well as camera lights, light markers and light intensity.

Unique features that set CADKEY Workshop EX's freeform modeling apart from other CAD software products are a Pure Geometry(TM) foundation (architecture), integrated direct translators for three high-end CAD systems, a versatile assembly management and data organization structure, a comprehensive dimensional accuracy assurance system, and integrated advanced freeform surface modeling. CADKEY Workshop EX delivers an unprecedented level of interoperability with Catia 4, Pro/E and Unigraphics files in one cost-effective solution which sells for $6,000 USD domestically (includes an Annual Update Contract).

Purchasing and Support
The entire line of CADKEY products and services is sold through Authorized CADKEY Value-Added Resellers (VARs) worldwide and via the CADKEY WebStore at www.cadkey.com/webstore for USA/Canada customers. For VAR referral in the USA/Canada, call CADKEY Corporation at 800-372-3872. International Customers can call 508-229-2020 for referral to a local International Distributor. For more detailed product information or to view demo movies go to www.cadkey.com/products. Technical support and training programs are offered through Authorized CADKEY VARs. Technical support is also available via the Web site: www.cadkey.com, Email: support@cadkey.com and FAX: 508-460-0724. For Academic sales and pricing, contact Tech Ed Concepts, CADKEY North American Academic Distributors, at 800-338-2238 / 603-224-8324 or visit www.TECedu.com.

About CADKEY Corporation
CADKEY Corporation, a CAD/CAM company headquartered in the Boston area, develops and markets the CADKEY® product line used by design and manufacturing professionals worldwide. The company offers its entire product line, training materials and movies, and best-in-class e-Partner CAD/CAM enhancement products for engineers at www.cadkey.com/webstore. Dedicated to serving mechanical and manufacturing engineers, CADKEY Corporation's software development efforts focus on innovative freeform geometry-based modeling products. With over 295,000 copies shipped worldwide, CADKEY Corporation's time-proven products are among the most widely used in the global marketplace in more than 40 countries. For late-breaking news, visit the award-winning CADKEY World Wide Web site at www.cadkey.com.

Please contact:
Lizabeth Rombek, Marketing Campaign Manager
Tel: (508) 229-2020
Email: Liz@cadkey.com

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