Pro/ENGINEER

With the Piping and Cabling Extension, Pro/E can output FIF files.

FIF Translator can convert convert data from Pro/E into data that is compatible with most benders in the industry.

Known Problem for Pro/E Calculation of Centerline Data

During joint research with one of our customers, we discovered that when Pro/E encounters a 180 degree bend - that it incorrectly calculates the centerline XYZ coordinates for the FIF data that it builds. Rather than attempting to build two points for the 180 degree bend, it shows 1 point for that bend. The resulting centerline tube is usually nothing like the actual tube shape.

From FIF YBC Data	From FIF XYZ Data
This is an image of a part that contains a 180 degree bend. It is based on the YBC data found in the FIF file that was built by Pro/E. The shape is correct.	This is the image of the same part from the same FIF file that was defined by the the XYZ centerline data inside the file. The Pro/E calculation of the centerline data failed.

This is a normal problem when developers of tube fabrication software forget to test special cases - like 180 degree bends - in their algorithms.

In these cases, the YBC or LRA bender data can still be extracted from the FIF file since this data is correct. For example Benderlink for Chiyoda and Benderlink for KEINS allow operators to choose which set of data, the XYZ centerline data or the YBC/LRA bender data, is imported.

Please note: We are not aware of the starting bend angle for this problem. It may be less than 180 degrees. Please exercise care when exporting parts with bend angle values that approach 180 degrees.

Other

See the Wikipedia site for Pro/ENGINEER

See the PTC Web Site Page for Piping and Cabling