FormatWorks simplifies the import process to SolidWorks. Automatic repair and healing ensures that foreign geometries meet the criteria set by SolidWorks to form valid solids. This repair is always performed within the model tolerance while maintaining original model integrity and preventing model deformation.

Customer comments:

FormatWorks resolves all of our IGES translation problems into SolidWorks.  Most of the files come in automatically repaired and we can get right to work.  The difficult parts are easily fixed with the manual repair operations.  FormatWorks is an essential tool for our operation that saves us considerable time and money.   With FormatWorks we can spend our time building our tooling and not working out translation problems”.

Jim Lewis, President of Precision Pattern Inc. 

We appreciate Capvidia's responsiveness, as we had to use FormatWorks immediately to meet our delivery deadlines. Capvidia assisted us with immediate training and assistance to enable us to resolve urgent problems. FormatWorks has become immediately cornerstone software for us.

Frank Kowal, SIG Ryka Engineering Manager

I have been using FormatWorks file translation and repair software by CAPVIDIA for almost two years now.  FormatWorks has made it possible to take corrupt files and transform them into useful solid models. This software has been such a useful tool that we continue to purchase new seats as our engineering department grows.  Thank you.

Drew M. Braun - Tooling Engineer, Tri-Core Mold & Die

"There are 2 functions in FormatWorks that make my work easier and faster. They are the "SEARCH for PROBLEM AREAS" and "EXPORT SELECTION with NEIGHBORS". These 2 functions alone are worth the price of the software and all the other functions are added bonuses. I am not a surfaces guru, but FormatWorks makes me look pretty good when I get the job done when others can't.

Dusty Nogueira, Waltech Forgings

FormatWorks Workflow

• Data Import
• Tolerance Control
• Automatic Repair & Healing
• Manual Repair
• Geometry Check
• Data Export

Import Formats

FormatWorks solves frustrating data incompatibility problems occurring during the import of 3D models into SolidWorks. It seamlessly imports native data formats (CATIA V4, CATIA V5, P/E, etc.) and performs necessary repairs to form a valid model in SolidWorks.

FormatWorks 2006 import formats:

• CATIA V5 up to R15
• CATIA V4
• CATIA V4 2D drawings
• Pro/E
• CADDS
• IGES 6.0
• VDA-FS
• STEP
• ACIS

Direct translation into SolidWorks

Translation into SolidWorks over FormatWorks

Automatic Repair

The automatic repair includes identification and repair of over 60 typical data translation errors. FormatWorks repairs both geometry and topology using specialized sewing algorithms. Entities preventing the model to form a watertight solid are automatically detected. The automatic repairs are controlled and always performed within the original model tolerance, which prevents model deformation.

• Invalid curve parameterization
• Gaps in composite curve
• Degenerative segments in poly-line
• NURBS improving simplification of curves
• Incorrect knots vector in the NURBS curve

     FormatWorks            Other translators

Topology

• Invalid edge vertices
• Invalid loop orientation in Parametric Space (PS)
• Missing loop definition in Model Space (MS)
• Missing loop definition in PS
• Invalid edge orientation
• Lack of loop synchronization between MS and PS
• Gaps in loop in MS, PS
• Not closed loop in MS, PS
• Self-crossing loop in PS
• Missing outer loop in face definition
• Wrong index of outer loop
• Invalid loop orientation
• Inconsistent face normal

Manual Repair

Manual repair has never been simpler. If necessary, FormatWorks will automatically provide you with the workflow to fix all problems originating in the CAD model. Defective entities are grouped in a project tree as a separate documents. All manual repair operations are intuitive and easy to use since they are completely integrated into SolidWorks. As a result, the user operates only on faulty parts and their neighbors instead of manipulating on the whole model or complex assembly.

FormatWorks provides proprietary functions to resolve geometric and topological problems that prevent you from forming a valid solid or surface model in SolidWorks. These functions are developed specifically to maintain the intent and quality of the automotive design.

• Surface creation
• Surface recreation
• Surface merging
• Surface trimming
• Surface splitting

Translation from SolidWorks2005 to CATIA V4