The webinar presented by Larson Software Technology and Maclean Engineering focuses on the optimization of technical graphics production using CGM technology. It covers the transition from traditional methods to modern electronic formats and highlights Maclean's implementation of an S1000D-based system for technical publication management. Key objectives include reusing CAD data, enhancing graphics transformation, and ensuring cost-effective and consistent output.

1. MacLean Engineering - Case Study - Transform CAD data
October 2nd 2015
Presenters – Don Larson, Larson Software Technology & David Manock, Vizualsite LLC

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Copyright Larson Software Technology (c) 2015
Agenda
• Introduction
• Housekeeping
• Manufacturing Day
• Company Overviews
• Slide Presentation
• Live Software Demo
• Summary
• Closing Information

3. Webinar: Housekeeping
• All attendees will be muted for the duration of the Webinar
• If you experience problems when joining the webinar please
use the questions function to communicate
• VOIP is the recommended audio option
• Questions during the webinar can be posted
• Questions will be answered following the main presentation
or by a follow up email
• Handouts - materials you can downloaded during the webinar
• Case Study
• VizEx Transform Datasheet
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Copyright Larson Software Technology (c) 2015

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Manufacturing Day
• Larson is pleased to contribute to this significant event and
support the promotion of manufacturing in North America
• An important component of manufactured equipment is
the supporting documentation, in other words technical
manuals
• More specifically the documentation usually contains
technical graphics
• The production of technical graphics can be a complex
process, todays presentation will demonstrate how this can
be optimized

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Copyright Larson Software Technology (c) 2015
Larson Software Technology
• Based in Houston, Texas
• Founded in 1984, CGM Experts for 30 years
• Develops powerful, innovative CGM graphics software, based on
open standards
• Promoting CGM Usage, VizEx Reader a free CGM and TIFF viewer
• Larson technology simplifies the graphics workflow for Technical
Publications Professionals, Engineers, Geologists, and
Geophysicists.

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MacLean Engineering
• MacLean Engineering is a privately owned Canadian company
• Specializes in the design, manufacture and marketing of high
quality mechanized equipment
• Target market is the Underground Mining, Commercial
and Municipal Sectors
• MacLean products are supplied with a
comprehensive suite of technical manuals
• Manage approximately 30,000 technical
graphics, taking into account the support of
3 languages the total is nearer 90,000
www.macleanengineering.com

7. Webinar Objective
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Copyright Larson Software Technology (c) 2015
• The focus will be on technical graphics production using
Larson’s CGM technology
• Featuring - VizEx Transform
• Additionally – VizEx Edit and VizEx View
• How do we?
• Optimize the transformation of 2D and 3D CAD data
• Add value to the transformed graphics
• All the data we demonstrate today is with the kind permission
of MacLean Engineering

8. Introduction
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• In the distant past technical graphics were originated on the
drawing board
• A Technical Illustrator would create the illustration by interpreting
engineering drawings
• First the pencil stage, usually on tracing paper overlaying a perspective grid
• When complete the illustrator would overlay the pencil
illustration with drafting film and ink the drawing usually
with Rotring rapidograph pen
• You could even call it ‘Art’
• Today the same process is very different!

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Today’s Technical Graphics Process
• Technical graphics are now usually generated or revised in a
electronic format
• The file could be legacy, possibly a scan of one of the illustrations
created on the drawing board
• The most likely starting point for a new graphic today is
probably from a CAD system
• This could be a 2D or 3D CAD system
• The scenario for this presentation is where the data originates
in 2D and 3D CAD Systems
• Real company data and processes

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The MacLean Requirement
• A new Technical Publications system
• MacLean selected an S1000D based system as opposed to a DITA
solution.
• Both based on XML , structured information strategy
• PERCEPTION: S1000D is only for the Aerospace & Defense industry
• FACT: it can be implemented for any piece of complex equipment
• ADVANTAGES: provides a modern, granular and
controlled process to produce and deliver technical
publications
• INVESTMENT: All software tools are off the shelf and affordable
www.s1000d.org

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The MacLean Objectives
• Replace a proprietary graphics transformation system and file
format
• Reuse CAD data generated by SolidWorks (3D) and AutoCAD (2D)
• Reuse existing non-proprietary material and processes
• Use the CGM (Computer Graphics Metafile) file format, compliant
with the S1000D specification
• CGM Open Foundation – www.cgmopen.org
• Manage the CGM files in an S1000D CSDB
• Common Source Database / Content Management System
• Publish the CGM files to PDF and an Interactive Electronic
Technical Manual

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The Solution
• The MacLean S1000D Publishing Solution is based on a
collaboration between 2 vendors
• Larson Software Technology provide the automated graphics
transformation engine
• ADG provide the Data Management and Publishing Solution
• A great combination which can be replicated in other scenarios

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The Solution (Continued)
Binder
Viewer
CSDB Server
IPD Manager
TIFF &
Excel files
DWG
Hotspotted
CGM’s
Created:
English
French
Spanish
DM’s &
Graphics

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The Graphics Transformation
DWG
3 CGM Files generated
and hotspots created
English
French
Spanish
TIFF and Excel Files

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Copyright Larson Software Technology (c) 2015
VizEx Transform
• VizEx Transform is a truly unique application
• Enables the transformation of multiple graphical data formats into CGM in one
simple to use interface
• Why use the term transformation and not conversion
• During the process, VizEx Transform can add value to the graphic by generating
hotspot information on the graphics
• The process is automated, with the ability to run in a batch mode and
from a command line, triggered by an event
• Input Formats: DWG, DXF, PDF, AI, EPS, CGM V1-V3, BMP, CALS-G4,
EMF, GIF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF
• Output Formats: CGM V4, WebCGM, SVG

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• VizEx Edit the CGM Native Editor
• Edit S1000D graphics for use in Technical Manuals, IETMs & Illustrated Parts
Catalogs
• Quickly add hotspots and enter associated metadata
• "Tree View” window makes it easy to modify hotspot attributes
• Tabs permit several files to be opened in a single session
• Hotspotter technology is available as a fully integrated option
• Input:
• Vector: CGM V1-V4, DWG, DXF, PDF, AI, EPS
• Raster: BMP, CALS, EMF, GIF, JPEG, PNG,
• Output:
• CGM, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, SVG

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Copyright Larson Software Technology (c) 2015
• VizEx View - Family of Viewers for deploying CGM files
• Distribute your CGM graphics easily to co-workers, customers, partners and suppliers
• VizEx View HTML5
• Enables delivery of quality native CGM graphics in a
web browser on virtually any platform, including Apple iOS.
No app or plug-in required.
• VizEx View Plugin Supports:
• Chrome, Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers
• Platforms include Windows and Linux (Firefox only)
• VizEx View C++ (Software Development Kit)
• C++ library for Windows and Linux developers
• Includes sample code, documentation, object code library (.DLL or .SO on Linux)

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Case Study Demonstration

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Summary
• Technical Graphics are a significant part of the technical publications
process
• There are some keywords and phrases that need to be considered as
part of the process
• Quality – Maintain a high level when publishing and deploying
• Reuse – Leverage data already created, legacy and new
• Management – Effectively manage the technical graphics post transformation
• Cost Effective – Decrease time to market and return the investment
• Valid – The graphic files are conforming to the chosen specification, preferably
an open format
• Consistent – The technical graphics conform to the project business rules

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Closing Information
• You can discover more information about
Larson Software Technology at www.cgmlarson.com
• A link to a recording of the webinar will be sent via email
• All the materials will be available:
• www.slideshare.net/donlarson1
• Twitter feed, follow us!
• www.twitter.com/cgmlarson
• Next Webinar:
VizEx Edit – The Native CGM Editor
Wed, Oct 28, 2015 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Eastern