Link2Source™

From Conversion to Direct Integration.

In design, prototype data is often created that is then used in subsequent revisions for the final product development. If this data is used immediately for illustrations, a mechanism is required for changing the illustration data as soon as new CAD data becomes available.

The Link2SourceT technology in IsoDraw creates a link between the source data and the illustration. The basic principle is already quite familiar in the DTP world but has been substantially improved. With the Link2SourceT technology in IsoDraw CADprocess, changes in the CAD file are automatically reflected in the illustration, including any attribute settings.

Wide-Ranging Possibilities
Link2SourceT technology offers users a broad range of features. The converted 3D data can be placed and transformed in the illustration. Following transformation to the desired perspective, the data can then be converted to a 2D illustration. These parameters, as well as other attributes such as line color and width, only have to be set once. Any updates to the illustration automatically applies any previously defined settings. Even after the data has been converted to an illustration, all 3D features are still available - i.e., the illustration can still be transformed to another perspective.

If desired, the link between the CAD data and the illustration can be removed, and no further automatic updates will take place. The 3D data can, of course, always be imported into the illustration again. When using an illustration in several different documents, like operating instructions or spare part tables, the benefits of Link2SourceT are tremendous.

Company Benefits
Link2SourceT technology offers companies far-reaching advantages because the conversion of 3D CAD data into a Technical Illustration is supplemented by permanently up-to-date illustrations. Prototype data can be used for illustrations even before the final design drawings are ready. This reduces the time required for the illustration and documentation to become available. At the same time, the time needed to incorporate any CAD data changes in the illustration is kept to an absolute minimum. Product variations can also be depicted in the documentation without a great deal of added expense.

From the Illustration to the Internet
After your illustrations have been automatically created from the CAD data, all sorts of options are available. IsoDraw CADprocess contains all the features of the number one Technical Illustration product, IsoDraw. You can make additional changes to the illustration using the highly productive tools in IsoDraw. Please find a detailed description of the features and benefits of IsoDraw in the corresponding brochure. Generated illustrations can be used anywhere. This includes traditional print media as well as on Intranets or the Internet or even CD-ROMs. The compact illustrations are particularly suited for use on the Internet and in interactive, electronic spare part catalogs, for example.