Initial Graphics Exchange Specifications (IGES)

The basic concept of IGES is concerned with the exchange of product description data from one CAD system to another one. The CAD/CAM integration information network (CIIN) of Boeing served as the preliminary basics of IGES. This exchange takes place via a neutral data format (Figure 7.9). If information has to be transferred from one type of CAD system to another it is converted via a pre-processor to the neutral data format specified by IGES and then converted via a post-processor to the proper data format of the other CAD system. With this concept, it is possible to transfer CAD data between any set of CAD systems, as long they are equipped with the corresponding pre- and post-processors