Theorem Technology Overview

Our focus is on the mechanical design sector and in the conversion of a broad range of CAD/CAM/CAE data. Today’s CAD/CAM systems create designs using feature and history based modeling techniques, as well as complex geometric modeling of solid models, and Trimmed surfaces. In addition to converting complex geometry, we also support the conversion of features and history data, along with Assembly (product structure) and Attribute data, offering our users products to convert all forms of CAD/CAM data.

In order to ensure our products can handle a wide range of CAD data and to simplify yet optimise our own software development effort in the long term we have developed a set of Generic CAD Objects (G.C.O.). This is a set of objects into which many forms of CAD data can be represented and held. Existing only in memory form, G.C.O. allows the process of developing new products to be speeded up significantly. In addition to G.C.O., routines and mathematical libraries to support and evaluate CAD data and heal solid models underpin the products, and are part of Theorem’s ongoing Research & Development effort.

Looking at the below diagram G.C.O. can be described as a hub between all conversion processes and as such eliminates the need for multiple read/write routines, the method normally associated with direct database conversion. To broaden it’s product range, Theorem has also used it’s experience and expertise in geometry processing to develop and create products based on the International Standards of STEP and IGES.

More recent product developments at Theorem have seen a major advancement in the support for Features and History based translation for CATIA, I-DEAS, Pro/E and Unigraphics. The repair and healing of Solid Models also brings issues that include the resolving of the differences in tolerance and precision of the different explicit solid modellers, as well as the detection of geometric and topological errors within models. In order to overcome these problems, Theorem has developed algorithms and routines that address the healing of solid models for a range of CAD modellers. In addition Theorem are also applying this healing technology to its STEP based products.

Theorem focuses on the mechanical design sector and in the conversion of a broad set of Product Data. The types of data converted include complex geometry such as Solid Models, Drafting and Annotation data, Assembly, Product Structure data and Attributes.

Other recent advances include technology to read, visualise, manipulate and filter Assembly (structure) data and visualise model files. Our on-going Research & Development effort is involved in Feature recognition and processing, History Tree and Parametric data exchange together with the support of the translation of 3D annotations and dimensions.