STEP Tools, Inc. Launches STEP Index Library (STIX) Library for
Creating and Modifying Applications using STEP-NC Machining Data
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Belinda Jones, 860-767-9506
HiTech Marketing LLC
belinda.jones@hitechmarketing.com
The free, downloadable STIX Library is distributed under the GNU General Public License
Troy, New York - April 28, 2003 -
STEP Tools, Inc. announced today it has
released Version 1.0 of its STEP Index Library (STIX), a highly robust C++
library of useful functions for creating and modifying applications using
STEP-NC (AP-238) machining data. The new STIX Library was recently announced
at the ISO STEP meeting held last month in San Diego, CA. This free, downloadable
library gives developers of Open Architecture Controls and other applications
easy access to the NC data defined by STEP-NC. The versatile software package
was created to simplify and expedite AP-238 programming, lower the learning
curve for newcomers, and save time for STEP experts. The STIX Library is distributed
under the GNU General Public License. STEP Tools Inc. also offers licenses for
commercial use of this software in non-GPL applications. For more information on
STIX, visit the STEP Tools web site at
http://www.steptools.com/stix.
The STIX library will allow manufacturers, engineers and programmers to test
and evaluate STEP-NC in Open Architecture Controller applications such as machining,
probing, closed loop control, and dynamic optimization. The software contains
time-saving "toolbox" code that most programmers would write for themselves if
they started an AP-238 application from scratch. STIX was designed to "jump start"
the programmer new to STEP-NC, so they can begin to create applications without the
need to first master all of the details of the integrated STEP models (AIM). AIM
experts will also find this library saves time, as it removes the need to write
traversals through the property definitions, representations, and more.
Free Usage and STIX Licensing
The STIX Library is an open source software package distributed for free under
the GNU General Public License (GPL), just like Linux, GCC, and other valuable
Open Source tools. The software is available for download free of charge, and
includes all of the STIX source code. Programmers can use STIX to build and
modify applications on it, and even redistribute it under the GPL. The details
of the license will be distributed with the source. Interested parties can also
find more information about the GPL at
http://www.gnu.org.
STIX can be used for free in commercial or non-commercial products, provided
the end product is also released in source code form under the GPL. Companies who
would like to develop applications for resale outside of the GPL will have to
purchase the STIX library under a second, separate license for commercial use.
The "dual license" approach is used by open source packages such as the MySQL
database or Red Hat's Cygwin (for porting UNIX programs to Windows). For terms
and pricing on a non-GPL license, contact Paula Popson, 518-687-2848, ext. 305
or email a request to:
info@steptools.com
About STEP and STEP-NC International Data Standards
STEP (STandard for Exchange of Product model data) is a comprehensive
ISO standard for CAD design data. STEP-NC, the manufacturing extension
of this standard, annotates the design information with manufacturing
data. STEP became a full ISO standard in 1994, and since then, all of
the leading CAD software vendors have implemented STEP data translation.
It is estimated that more than one and a half million CAD stations now
contain STEP data translators. STEP-NC is on its way to becoming a Draft
International Standard in 2003.
About STEP Tools, Inc.
STEP Tools, Inc. is a leading international supplier of professional
STEP software toolsets (based on ISO standards) for application
software developers, design firms and manufacturing companies in
diverse industries. The STEP Tools product line is used by the world's
foremost firms to leverage STEP and STEP-NC technology to facilitate
the sharing of engineering product information. Over one million end
users utilize product data applications built with ST-Developer, the
company's flagship product. The company offers a suite of software
solutions in several languages that integrate with existing tools and
database systems, and also provide cross-platform compatibility and
ease-of-use for streamlined development. The emerging STEP-NC
technology is yielding process improvements including a 35% reduction
in path planning time, a 75% reduction in paper drawings generated for
the shop-floor, and a 50% improvement in machining time for small to
mid-sized job lots. For late-breaking information, contact STEP
Tools, Inc. by calling (518) 687-2848, email: info@steptools.com or visit www.steptools.com.
|
