Viewing Software allows sampling of manufacturing data.
Press Release Summary:
STEP-NC Explorer examines machine workplans and features, tool requirements, and geometric dimensions and tolerances for STEP-NC feature-based machining. Interactive tool offers dynamic viewing of full fidelity 3D manufacturing data compliant with ISO STEP standards. It works in tandem with ST-Plan software for creating machine independent, STEP-NC control files from STEP data. Program is compatible with CAD/CAE/CAM systems, and can be used as Web browser plug-in.
Original Press Release:
STEP Tools, Inc. Introduces New-to-the Market STEP-NC Explorer
New Viewer Allows Manufacturers to Sample Full Fidelity STEP-NC Manufacturing data
Troy, New York - July 9, 2003 - STEP Tools, Inc. announced today the introduction of STEP-NC Explorer, the first-to-market viewing software for examining machining workplans and features, tool requirements, geometric dimensions and tolerances, and other information for STEP-NC feature based machining. STEP-NC Explorer incorporates ST-Viewer technology for integrated graphics and rich visualization features. To sample the program's capabilities, STEP Tools provides a virtual tour at www.steptools.com/products/stncexplorer. For a limited time only, the program can be downloaded free of charge, and includes several sample test-drive data sets.
STEP-NC Explorer is not an ordinary run-of-the-mill CAD viewer. This program is a full bore interactive tool for dynamic viewing of full fidelity 3D manufacturing data compliant with ISO STEP standards. STEP-NC Explorer stages STEP-NC data produced with ST-Machine, STEP Tools' software program used to convert STEP-NC Machine independent data to machine specific tool paths. STEP-NC Explorer also works in tandem with ST-Plan, STEP Tools' software for creating machine independent, STEP-NC control files from STEP data. The new STEP-NC viewing program is compatible with wide variety of CAD/CAE/CAM systems, and can be used as a World Wide Web browser "plug in".
Manufacturers new to STEP-NC data and feature based machining will be able to thoroughly explore the machining process. STEP-NC Explorer gives users the ability to view all operations of a workpiece, each individual operation of the workpiece, and each individual operation of the machining operation. Users will be able to examine the Workplan of the job, as well as the individual Workplan and the Workingstep(s) of any machining operation. STEP-NC Explorer also gives the user the ability to inspect the tools for each workpiece and each individual machining operation. The program also views both the features and tolerances of the workpiece and each individual machining operation.
About STEP and STEP-NC Standards
STEP (STandard for Exchange of Product model data) is a comprehensive ISO standard for CAD design data. STEP-NC, the manufacturing extension of this standard, annotates the design information with manufacturing data. STEP became a full ISO standard in 1994, and since then, all of the leading CAD software vendors have implemented STEP data translation. It is estimated that more than one and a half million CAD stations now contain STEP data translators. STEP-NC is on its way to becoming a Draft International Standard in 2004.
About STEP Tools, Inc.
STEP Tools, Inc. is a leading international supplier of professional STEP software toolsets (based on ISO standards) for application software developers, design firms and manufacturing companies in diverse industries. The STEP Tools product line is used by the world's foremost firms to leverage STEP and STEP-NC technology to facilitate the sharing of engineering product information. Over one million end users utilize product data applications built with ST-Developer, the company's flagship product. The company offers a suite of software solutions in several languages that integrate with existing tools and database systems, and also provide cross-platform compatibility and ease-of-use for streamlined development. The emerging STEP-NC technology is yielding process improvements including a 35% reduction in path planning time, a 75% reduction in paper drawings generated for the shop-floor, and a 50% improvement in machining time for small to mid-sized job lots. For late-breaking information, contact STEP Tools, Inc. by calling (518) 687-2848, email: info@steptools.com or visit www.steptools.com.
STEP-NC Explorer, ST-Developer, ST-Plan and ST-Machine are trademarks or registered trademarks of STEP Tools, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
