STEP Tools News for Wednesday May 26

[st-announce at steptools.com]

This newsletter is a brief update of what is going on in STEP and at 
STEP Tools, Inc. If you want to know more, try the STEP Tools web site 
at http://www.steptools.com


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New Versions of ST-Machine

We have been working hard on our ST-Machine product. This tool
processes STEP-NC information by reading AP-238 files into
a CAM system. 

There are some new features in this release:
- Fewer steps (3 instead of 5) 
- Complete on-line help documentation 
- Single larger tool database (*) 
- XML configuration files for machining preferences

The features are being tested by customers. Please contact
us if you would like to start a project.


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Training

This year we decided not to release a training schedule in
advance but to arrange classes in response to customer 
enquiries. Recently we have been contacted by two customers
and are in the process of arranging a class on programming
STEP and STEP-NC applications on June 15, 16 and 17.

Please contact us if you would like to join the class.


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Tolerances

STEP Tools has been awarded a contract by NIST to help harmonize
the definition of tolerances across the STEP Application
Protocols.


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XML Modules

We continue to develop our XML concepts. The latest developments
involve adding a third layer to the architecture called Automation
Objects. These objects were originally developed as part of a
standard called IEC 61499 were they are used to define interfaces
for function blocks.

In our concept Automation Objects are used to describe units of
functionality that can be shared between STEP-NC files. For example
the definition of a cutting tool, or the definition of a process to
drill a round-hole, or the definition of a manufacturing feature. The
idea is that different users can produce Automation Objects describing
different components of a manufacturing process that can be joined
together to create a complete CNC program using a drag and drop
metaphor. 

If things progress then there will be a three layer architecture
in our systems:

1. Entities describing information elements
2. Modules describing engineering definitions
3. Automation Objects describing design components

Each level is more abstract and allows unwanted details from the lower
level to be managed automatically. By the time the third level is
reached end users can do the programming (with the help of intelligent
user interfaces). The second level will be preferred by application
programmers and the lowest level will be used for data management and
control.

And at last everyone should be happy because in STEP

a. Every detail is wanted by someone.
b. No one wants all the details.


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Translation Service

Still free and continuing to grow more reliable!

Summary: 
Period Covered: Sun May 16 04:26:25 2004 -- Sun May 23 04:26:25 2004 
Total usage: 85 
Successful usage: 85 (100%) 
Errors: (0%)

Translator total errors success rate
ACIS to STEP: 10 0 100% 
STEP to ACIS: 8 0 100% 
Parasolid to STEP: 58 0 100% 
STEP to Parasolid: 5 0 100%
======================================= 
All-Time stats
------------------------------------ 
Summary: 
Period Covered: Wed Dec 31 19:00:00 1969 -- Sun May 23 04:27:02 2004 
Total usage: 22059 
Successful usage: 20478 (92%) 
Errors: 1581 (7%)