Products
Engineering Collaboration Engine
Next to Windchill interfaces for Pro/INTRALINK and PDMLink, a range of additional products are necessary, which are a useful supplement in the integration process. Therefore, Innoface developed a web-based framework. The framework “Engineering Collaboration Engine”, IF-ECE for short, is based on JBOSS as a web application server. The framework uses a MySQL database.
The following products are modules of the IF-ECE and use IF-ECE as a base:
a) Release- & Plot-Engine
The release & plot engine is a module with which neutral formats can be generated from Windchill. The release & plot engine can access Pro/ENGINEER data from PDMLink, open it and create 2D formats such as PDF or TIF, and 3D formats such as STL, 3D PDF or JT. Neutral formats created in Windchill can also be downloaded. Other formats like eDrawings can be created using additional converters.
The release & plot engine can apply neutral formats to SAP documents, as needed. Within the scope of the release process, the release & plot engine plots the status of the document. The following modules are available for the release & plot engine:
IF-RPE_2D: | Exports 2D neutral formats (TIF, PDF) from Windchill PDMLink or Pro/ENGINEER |
|---|---|
IF-RPE_3D: | Exports 3D neutral formats (3D PDF, STL) from Windchill PDMLink or Pro/ENGINEER |
IF-RPE_EXP: | Exports export formats such as Pro/ENGINEER Native, STEP, DXF and IGES from Windchill PDMLink or Pro/ENGINEER |
IF-RPE_STP: | Marking PDF or TIF files |
b) Number generator
With the number generator IF-NG, the design engineer can retrieve a part number either in Pro/ENGINEER upon initially saving it or from Windchill by calling up a menu. The objects are renamed according to the material number.
The automatic numbering relieves the design engineer and ensures that the objects in Pro/ENGINEER and Windchill are clearly defined.
The number generator is designed in such a way that other applications can also retrieve numbers via the interfaces.
c) Import/Export Tool Windchill
Via a Web interface, numbers can also be allocated interactively and independent of systems (e.g. for externally made parts).
The Import/Export Tool IF-IMEX is a comprehensive solution for exporting or importing data in Windchill PDMLink.
Export:
In Windchill PDMLink, selected data can be defined for export. The desired format can be selected and the export process can be retrieved and started. The export process takes place fully automatically and asynchronously in the background.
Import:
With Import, previously exported files can be imported after changes are made by external parties. Import identifies new and modified CAD files and supports the design engineer during the import process.
