The document discusses data transfer protocols for CAD systems, highlighting the widespread use of electronic file transfer in modern manufacturing. It mentions various formats like IGES, DXF, and STL, and notes that file translation is necessary due to the diversity of CAD packages. The International Standards Organization is working on a standard called STEP for better electronic data exchange.

1. What are the protocols in data transfer between CAD systems? Which one is most widely used?
What types of data may not be transferred accurately or correctly?
Solution
Answer-
Transferring CAD files electronically is the norm, rather than the exception, for today's
manufacturing world. In the past, shops relied on blueprints.File translation is a process in which
one data format is converted into another. File translators are written independently by each
CAD or CAM software company. Some design teams may use several different types of CAD
packages to communicate with different teams or complete specific functions. One design model
may be exported and imported into several CAD packages before the final file reaches
manufacturing. There are numerous file formats on the market today. You can encounter IGES,
CADL, DXF, ASCII, NCAL, PAR, PRT, SAT, SUP, STL, X_T, MODEL, the various European
and American automotive formats, and other file extensions.The International Standards
Organization (ISO) is working with American, European and Asian businesses and government
agencies to implement a standard for transferring electronic data, called the International
STandard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP).STEP, called Application Protocols
(APs), which are built into a common data model.
A well-built CAM translator translates all types of files quickly and accurately