Our focus is on the mechanical design sector and in the conversion of a broad range of CAD/CAM/CAE and Visualisation data. Today's CAD/CAM systems create designs using feature and history based modeling techniques, direct geometry editing 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), Attribute data, and Visualization data offering our users products to convert all forms of CAD/CAM and Visualisation data. Over the last few years we have added support for PMI (GD&T) data for both CAD and Visualization formats, enabling users to move away from drawings to exchange Model Based Definitions suitable for manufacturing purposes.
In order to ensure our products can handle a wide range of CAD, Visualisation, PMI, Product Structure, PDM and Attribute data and to simplify yet optimise our own software development effort in the long term we have developed a set of Generic Collaboration Objects (G.C.O.). This is a set of objects into which all forms of 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 including the latest STEP E2 definition.
More recent product developments at Theorem have seen a major advancement in the support for Lightweight (visualization) data whether as part of a CAD representation or Visualisation formats. Extended support for analytic geometry, and for features and history based data for CAD and STEP AP203 E2. We have broadened the range of PMI (GD&T) data supported in order to facilitate the exchange of Model Based Definitions.
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 modelers, 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 broad range of CAD modelers. In addition Theorem are also applying this healing technology to its STEP based products.
Along with a broad set of Product Data applications we have developed technology and tools to support the process of data exchange and collaboration. Complementing our translation and interoperability products is a range of tools. Theorem's Process Manager (TPM) can create significant business benefits for any business where data exchange activities are a bottleneck or impose disproportionately high costs through manually intensive processes. TPM automates, schedules, manages and controls data exchange processes internally and with suppliers. Data Exchange Navigator and other tools to interrogate, manipulate and edit assemblies and filter model data interactively, all as part of a data conversion process are also part of our portfolio. In addition we also have tools to analyse model data which is poor in quality, to enable it to be successfully converted.
R&D is an on going and important part of our business and as part of that commitment we actively participates in the forums of the International Standards Organisations and are members of both PDES Inc. and the ProSTEP iViP Association. Theorem is not only active in its own R & D efforts but is also involved in the industrial design and development of STEP through its membership of the organizations, Theorem also contributes through SC4 ISO 10303 committees.
