New architecture changes mechanical drawing software

With so much buzz about the capabilities of 3-D design, 2-D drawing can get lost in the fray. Cadkey has recently stepped up to the draftsperson?s cause and developed all new architecture for its mechanical drawing software, GraphX version 20 ($1800). Basing its new release on customer feedback, Cadkey focused on the management of assembly information and the relationship between parts in the database in GraphX version 20.

Developers integrated recent advances in Windows file structuring into the new architecture, as well as GeMS++ object-oriented database and memory management tools from Honeywell. Company sources say the new technology offers an unlimited undo/redo system, optimized file saving for smaller file sizes, faster file loading, and advanced data protection.

Other elements incorporated into the new architecture are a unified graphics system based on the Hoops Application Framework from Techsoft America Inc., and ACIS components from Spatial Corp. that enable the generation of sectional views and surface healing in solid models.
Besides the new architecture, GraphX features enhancements in the following areas:
-Solid models. Volume data, edge geometry, and hidden line orthogonal views and sections can be extracted from imported solid models, shortening the process of creating a detail or assembly drawing. The software also can convert imported wireframe and surface models into solids.
-Intelligent dimensioning. A new dimension-checking system called Tru-Dimensions prohibits or highlights the creation of dimensions that do not match geometry or are not properly constructed.
-Annotation. Detailing functions enable the quick creation and manipulation of all annotations on mechanical drawings. Settings can be adjusted and stored to match any style.
-Entity management. Projects with large quantities of data are managed with the Entitymaster system, which streamlines the entity selection and management process.
-Data translation. GraphX comes with industry-standard data translators: DWG, DXF, CADL, and IGES for CAD drawings, and IGES, STEP, ACIS, Parasolid, and STL for models. Users can also create an HTML page of their drawings and models with one click to share the designs on the Internet.

Cadkey Corp.
Marlborough, MA
(508) 229-2020
www.cadkey.com