SWX2006 IGS output question

By default the IGES format does not carry forward any feature information. It's called a "dumb solid". You can test this by making a simple part with a few features, exporting to IGES and reimporting it. You will only get an "imported" feature, no sketch or dimensional information, although people can measure what's there, they can't change it like you change a sketch or a feature. Color is immaterial, really, but you can make it any color you like before saving it.

Matt

Thanks. Yes that what it looked like to us but wehad some concern that ther emay be a way to " reverse engineer " the solid back to features.

Well Solidworks can reverse engineer dumb solids, its called Featureworks, so other CAD systems could also have this capability.

If you're afraid of people doing that then the best you can do is send an eDrawing with the options to measure and save out STL turned off. That gives visual 3D data but nothing you can manufacture from. If people are determined to steal something, they're gonna steal it. FeatureWorks only really "works" on fairly simple prismatic parts.

I do a fair amount of parametric remodeling of imported parts from Catia, Pro, Alias, etc. for my customers, who own the original format, so they're not stealing any IP. There is no way you can really keep people from reverse engineering a design other than not show it to them. Even if it's only visual, like a jpg, anyone with a decent eye can copy it.

Matt

The client in this case wants to be able to look at things without me there in Rhino.

These are exclusinvely Solids done for ID purposes so there are lots of lofts etc. Complex surfaces. I suppose the point to be at is to be able to price the 3D file that was used for presentaton purposes as a JPG close to the time it would take to copy it.

Much appreciate all your thoughts.