Dutton Simulation have been appointed as distributors for the superb range of CAD translators from Datakit. Datakit, founded in 1994, is a private company whose sole product range is an extensive set of of CAD/CAM Product Data Exchange applications and services. Already more than 140 translators have been made available. These allow users of native CAD systems (CATIA V4, CATIA V5, ProE, UG, etc.) to output IGES, STEP or DXF format data for input to our simulation software - but also include a range of inter-CAD translators.

The Datakit translators handle 2D, 3D, wireframe data as well as attributes, features, FD&T, history tree or very specific details such as piping and harness. In this way, the translators allow any company to read all the data requested for efficient working. The following lists the major CAD packages currently supported - individual translators provide direct conversion between the majority of the following mechanical design systems (including some with bi-directional capability) but please check with us if your specific requirement isn't listed as the translators are continually being updated:

• CATIA V4, 2D & 3D
• CATIA V5, 2D & 3D
• CATIA V6, 2D & 3D Experience
• ACIS 3D (.sat)
• CADDS
• INVENTOR
• JT
• PARASOLID (.xmt)
• ProE, Creo
• RHINO
• ROBCAD
• SolidEdge
• SolidWorks
• Think Design
• UG NX 2D & 3D

As well as conversion between most of these systems (in single file or batch mode); in addition most of the above can be translated to neutral formats including:

• IGES
• DXF
• DWG
• JT
• STEP
• STL
• VRML

These convertors are quick and easy to use (in most cases much quicker and easier than the plug-ins available for the CAD system itself). Please contact us to arrange for an evaluation licence and see for yourself how effective these products are.