Alpine F1 Team

CAD Data Translation Platform Streamlines the Workflow

Canon Inc.

Industry

Hardware

Product

ASFALIS

“The reliable CAD data translation system powered by Elysium ASFALIS has dramatically streamlined the workflow in the entire Canon group. All the 3D models at Canon are distributed via this system while being automatically translated to specified formats with the highest accuracy once they are created and released at the design division. Thus, ASFALIS has greatly reduced our costs for data preparation to utilize the data in post processes. We appreciate Elysium’s prompt action on our technical inquiries and upgrade of our CAD systems.”

– Mr. Makoto NAGAO, Information & Communication Systems Headquarters (As of January 2014)

Summary

The introduction of Elysium’s ASFALIS immensely increased the job efficiency by utilizing and distributing 3D data to the suppliers for the entire Canon group. The introduction of the high-quality and high-reliability 3D data translation system allows all of our 3D data to pass through our Product Data Management (PDM) system and to the suppliers without complications. This means every supplier can receive the necessary data in the translated formats they require automatically.

Company Wide Data Translation System / ASFALIS

Canon is using ASFALIS as a 3D data translation engine for our enterprise-level PDM system — a common platform for both Canon and its subsidiaries.

This platform consists of two systems. The first system translates the CAD data on demand to IGES or other standardized formats. Users can control every translation and distribution process via a Web-based interface. The other system translates the CAD data to multiple formats automatically whenever the data gets released from the PDM. The translated data is utilized at various divisions within the Canon group or is sent to the data distribution system for suppliers.

ASFALIS additionally allows the coexistence of two CAD systems during any type of migration period. The ASFALIS Translation server automatically translates huge volumes of 3D data from the legacy CAD format to the new CAD format accurately as solid models. Elysium has also developed an engine for 2D-3D associativity translation which keeps 2D drawing data updated as changes are being made to the associated 3D data. Associative drawings preserve sheet layouts, drawing views, annotations and dimensions that will be updated when the associated 3D parts or assemblies are changed. Moreover, Elysium provides a tool to validate 2D drawings that have been translated from a legacy CAD format to a new CAD format. It works as a plug-in on NX, the new CAD system. This allows designers to validate 2D drawings and modify them if necessary without leaving the NX application.