Zero Administration for Windows (ZAW):

 Microsoft's effort to reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) for Windows platforms.

(Microsoft Corp.)
See also total cost of ownership

X Window System

An interface that enables multiple log-in sessions to occur on-screen, simultaneously, in different windows.

World Wide Web (WWW)

A hyper-linked, browsing, multimedia environment that operates over the Internet or intranets.
See also Internet, Intranet

World (WRL)

The file format for VRML models.

Wired for Management (WFM)

 an Intel-led effort to develop guidelines for computer platforms that can be centrally managed over networks to reduce total cost of ownership. (Intel Corp.)
See also total cost of ownership

Wireframe

a geometric model that describes 3D geometry by outlining its edges, similar to a "stick figure."

Windows Distributed Internet Applications Architecture (Windows DNA)

a framework for software that combines the benefits of the Web and client/server computing, Based on based on COM. (Microsoft Corp.)
See also COM

Windows NT

a 32-bit, high-end, platform-independent, operating system developed by Microsoft Corp. Its features include symmetric multiprocessing, multitasking, networking, security, and an easy-to-use interface. It competes with the UNIX operating system. (Microsoft Corp.)
See also UNIX, operating system

Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) - a language that lets Web browsers view and interact with 3D models; requires a special viewer.

Virtual prototyping (VP) - the use of computer models and simulations to supplant the use of physical prototypes and models for evaluating and testing product designs.

Viewing and markup software - software that allows users to display a CAD drawing or model and adding comments, revision notes, etc. Typically, viewing and markup software will work with numerous types of CAD (vector) and graphics (raster) file formats, in addition to standard documents (word processing and spreadsheets, for instance).

Virtual Reality (VR) - Refers to the ability to interact with data in a way that enables the users to "enter" and navigate through a computer-generated 3D environment and change their viewpoint and interact with objects created within that environment in a way that mimics the real world.

Variational geometry

A capability of 2D and 3D modeling systems in which the user defines a model by dimensions and constraints, which are then solved by a series of simultaneous equations to create and modify geometry. The changes, then, work in both directions, i.e. changes in entity A will affect be reflected in entity B and vice-versa.
See also parametrics

Vector data

A method of defining 2D or 3D graphics by lines, arcs, circles, etc. in contrast to raster data.
See also raster data

Value Added Reseller (VAR)

A dealer of hardware and software that "adds value" to the product before reselling it, e.g. by integration, services, programming, training, etc.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

A standard 12-Mbps serial expansion bus for connecting peripherals to a PC, providing plug-and-play capability and daisy-chaining (adding new devices to the last device rather directly to the system itself).
See also plug-and-play

Transmission Control Program/Interconnect Protocol (TCP/IP)

A standard networking protocol, widely used thanks to its ability to work with multiple platforms and implementation for the Internet.
See also Internet

Uniform Resource Locator (URL)

The address assigned to every Web page from its domain name. For example, CAEnet's URL is

http-//www.penton.com/cae/

Total cost of ownership (TCO)

 the "true" cost of owning a computer, including hardware, software, training, support, maintenance, and so on.

Tessellation

the process of converting geometry into a set of polygons and accompanying information such as color, translucency, texture, etc.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

standard for database management systems that provides a common way of accessing data stored in the system.

Stereolithography (SL)

A rapid prototyping (RP) process, introduced in 1987 by 3D Systems Inc. launched the RP industry. A Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) machine builds physical models in this manner- it focuses an ultraviolet (UV) light onto the surface of a vat filled with liquid photopolymer. The light beam, moving under computer control, draws each layer of an object onto the surface of the liquid. Wherever the beam strikes the surface, liquid changes to solid. 3D parts are built from the bottom up, one layer at a time; when the part is finished, it is exposed to UV light for curing. (3D Systems Inc.)

Standard for the Exchange of Product model data (STEP (ISO 10303))

A set of ISO standards which provide for the exchange of engineering product data. Provides industry specific Application Protocols (AP) to specify the representation of product information for various applications, including drafting, associative drafting, configuration controlled 3D assemblies, automotive design, and many others. (PDES Inc.) See also ISO

SPECmarks

 industry-standard benchmarks developed by the Standard Performance Evaluation Corp. (SPEC) to measure of a computer's integer and floating point performance. (Standard Performance Evaluation Corp.)
See also floating point processor

Spun Surface

A surface created by spinning a 2D profile of a trace path around a centerline axis.

SLA format (SLA)

The 3D file format used by Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) rapid prototyping machines.

Can also be used as a general 3D file format for viewing. (3D Systems Inc.)
See also rapid prototyping, Stereolithography

Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI)

A CPU-to-drive (or other peripherals) interface. Ultra-Wide SCSI supports 40 MB/sec data transfer from the peripheral to the system. The newer Ultra 2 Wide SCSI doubles data transfer to 80 MB/sec.

Server

 in client-server computing, a system that performs processing and delivers data to any number of clients in a network. See also client-server computing

SAT

a file format for 3D solid geometry, created by systems that use the ACIS solid modeling engine. (Spatial Technology Corp.)
See also ACIS

Resolution

The acuity of a graphics display, monitor, or hardcopy device. Typically measured in total pixels, horizontal X vertical (i.e. 1,280 X 1,024), or dots/inch (dpi).  See also pixel, dots/inch

Relational Database Management System (RBDMS)

a database system in which data are stored in tables related by common members.
See also DBMS

Rendering

Process of adding shading, colors, reflectivity, textures, etc. to a model to make it appear realistic.

Reduced Instruction-Set Computing (RISC)-

A computing architecture. Systems built upon it generally take only one clock cycle to execute operations because the microprocessors handle fewer instructions; this typically translates into faster processing speeds.
See also CISC

Refresh rate

The number of times a monitor redraws an image, measured in hertz. Also called vertical scan rate or vertical frequency. The higher the refresh rate, the less the screen will seem to flicker. Some experts recommend 75MHz as a minimum. Refresh rates are now described in milliseconds -2ms or 5ms refresh rates are common in 2008

Redlining software

Software that allows users to display a CAD drawing or model and adding comments, revision notes, etc. (from the days of paper when engineers used red pencils on blueprints to accomplish the same task).
See also viewing and markup software

Redline

 To review, mark up, make notes of detailed focus, special interest a 3D model or CAD drawing for further comment.

Raster data

A method of defining 2D graphic data with black-and-white or colored dots as opposed to vector data. Raster data resolution is typically defined by the number of pixels or dots/inch. See also vector data, resolution, pixel

Ray tracing

A rendering method that approximates illumination by casting a ray from the viewer into the model for each pixel in an image.
See also rendering

Random Access Memory (RAM)

The storage area of a computer that holds programs and data.

Rapid prototyping (RP)

Various manufacturing processes as well as a burgeoning industry. RP processes involve devices--ranging from office modelers to four-ton machines--that accept 3D CAD files, slice the data into cross-sections, and construct layers from the bottom up, bonding one on top of the other, to produce physical prototypes for applications such as engineering form, fit, and function; soft tooling for prototypes; and patterns for hard tooling. The RP industry consists of RP systems, materials, and after-market products as well as a services sector.

Radiosity

An way to illuminate models so that the visibility of a surface of an object is assessed relative to every other surface and light source. Produces soft shadows.

Point Cloud

A set of x-y-z coordinates obtained from a 3D scanner or digitizer. The data from an "ordered" point cloud can then be turned into a continuous surface and used in a 3D model. Often used in reverse engineering applications. See also reverse engineering, surface modeling.

Query

 A search or inquisition for the definition, content or data search of any subject of interest or issue of contention.

Product Data Management (PDM)

 software and systems that organize, manage, and track product, drawing, and model data, typically via a database management system. Evolving into systems that can be used across the enterprise and not just in design. See also ERP, MRP II

Post-processing

In general, the evaluation, display, and reporting of data that results from some type of solution method. In finite-element analysis, it refers to the generation of displays showing stress, displacement, and other results; the generation of animations; and the creation of reports.
See also finite-element analysis, finite-element modeling, pre-processing

Pre-processing

in general, the preparation of data for further processing. In finite-element analysis, it refers to the process of setting up a model to be analyzed with the finite-element method, including definition of geometry, creation of the finite-element mesh, specifying materials, loads, and boundary conditions, and any solution options. See also finite-element analysis, finite-element modeling, post-processing

Points/inch (ppi)

The resolution of a hardcopy device or graphics display. The same as dots/inch.
See also resolution

Plug-and-play (PnP)

 typically, the ability to plug a peripheral into a computer and have it be automatically configured without any direction from the user. Sometimes refers to software add-ons as well.

 Plug-in

 a software extension for browsers that adds specific functionality. Many plug-ins provide the ability to view various file formats. Add-on programs for some CAD systems are also now being referred to as plug-ins as well. See also browser

Pixel

 for "picture element," the smallest definable dot of graphics data. Typically used in the description of graphics processors, displays, and monitors.
See also resolution

Phong shading

 rendering method whereby shading is performed on individual pixels.
See also rendering

Photorealism

 the process of generating computer images that closely resemble photographs.

Personal Computer (PC)

 on the computing continuum, a PC is a desktop device generally built around Pentium microprocessors from Intel Corp. and the Windows operating systems from Microsoft Corp.
See also PW

Personal Workstation (PW)

 on the computing continuum, a personal workstation is a desktop device that runs 32-bit operating environments such as UNIX or Windows NT. This type of computer is based on CISC or RISC platforms, supports 2D/3D graphics generally through a standard such as OpenGL, and is "tuned" to run engineering applications.
See also PC

Pen plotter

 a hardcopy device that draws links on paper, or other flat medium, by moving one or more pens across the surface of the medium; with more than one pen, multiple colors are possible.

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)

 a high-performance bus that provides a processor-independent data path between the CPU and peripherals for graphics, video, SCSI, LAN, etc. (PCI Special Interest Group)
See also AGP

PDES Inc. (PDES)

 an industry/government consortium whose aim is to speed development and implementation of the STEP standard. See also STEP

Parasolid

A solid modeling engine used by many commercial and research organizations as the core of CAD/CAM/CAE applications. (Unigraphics Solutions Inc.) See also ACIS, component software

Parabolic Interpolation- Control of a cutter path by interpolation between three fixed points, with the assumption that the intermediate points are on a parabola.

Parametrics- a capability of 2D and 3D modeling systems in which the user defines dimensions and constraints to which the model must conform. Alterations are then automatically reflected in related areas. Strictly speaking, parametrics work in only one direction, i.e., altering entity A will affect entity B, but not vice-versa. In practice, however, most systems allow the changes to operate in either direction.
See also variational geometry

Overshoot- The amount by which axis motion exceeds the target value.

Parabola- A plane curve generated by a point moving so that it's distance from a fixed second point is equal to it's distance from a fixed line.

Optional Stop- A miscellaneous function similar to Program Stop(M01) except that the control ignores the command unless the operator has previously pushed a button to validate the command.

Output- Data transferred from an internal storage unit to storage or an output device.

OpenDWG Alliance

 a non-profit organization aimed at documenting and promoting the Autodesk AutoCAD DWG format, as it exists now, as an open drawing exchange standard. Alliance members are commercial CAD/CAM/CAE software vendors (although Autodesk is not a member). The Alliance provides documentation, specifications, utilities, and subroutines for working with DWG files. (OpenDWG Alliance) See also DWG

Open Graphics Library (OpenGL)

 a rendering-only applications programming interface (API) widely used by CAD/CAM/CAE software, originally developed by Silicon Graphics Inc., for creating 2D/3D graphics. Lets applications create high-quality color images independent of windowing systems, operating systems, and hardware. Functions include modeling, transformations, color, lighting, smooth shading, texture mapping, NURBS, fog, alpha blending, and motion blur. (Silicon Graphics Inc.)
See also Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline, rendering

OLE for Design and Modeling (Modeling) and OLE for Design and Modeling (Geometry and Topology) (OLE D&M)

 a method of combining data and functionality from two different CAD/CAM systems into one model by defining a standard way to extract design information out of CAD/CAM databases for simultaneous display. OLE D&M (Geometry and Topology) adds to this by defining a standard mechanism for communicating spatial arrangement of graphical objects for CAD/CAM/CAE and GIS software. Over 50 CAD/CAM software vendors are involved in the OLE D&M Specification. (Microsoft Corp.)

Open Database Connectivity (ODBC)

 provides a common interface for accessing heterogeneous databases. Based on Structured Query Language (SQL. ) Allows developers to build client/server applications without targeting a specific DBMS.
See also SQL, DBMS

Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)

a standard set of functions that allow users to link or embed one file or object within another, even if created with a different application. For instance, a spreadsheet can be embedded into a CAD file and be made active within the CAD program. OLE builds on COM/DCOM, providing higher level services to application
programmers such as structured storage, making it easier for applications to organize, add, and remove data without requiring them to create large numbers of directories and files on the disk. (Microsoft Corp.)
See also COM, DCOM

Object Request Broker (ORB)

 an application framework that provides interoperability between software objects, even if they are built in different languages and run on different machines. (Object Management Group)
See also CORBA

Numerical Control programming (NC programming)

 method of creating the instructions to drive an numerically-controlled (NC) machine tool (sometimes called computer-numerical controlled, CNC). Often done from the
CAD model.

Null

 Pertaining to a zero output from a device.

Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS)

 a mathematical description of geometry that provides easy manipulation along with accurate description of entities and surfaces, from simple to complex.
See also B-spline

Nonlinear finite-element analysis

 analysis technique used when materials, geometries, loads, or boundary conditions deviate from a straight-line behavior.
See also finite-element analysis

Newsgroup

 a service of the Internet that acts like a bulletin board for a special or specific interest discussion group. Users can log into a newsgroup and read questions, answers, and comments left by other users. In a binary newsgroup users can upload or download files, images, programs, etc.

M Code:

A code used to signal an action from a miscellaneous group of commands. M codes change cutting tools, turn on or turn off the coolant, spindle, or work piece clamps, etc.

Machine Control Data:

Manufacturing instructions defined in CAM and enacted on a CNC Machine.

Machine Control Unit:

A small, powerful computer that controls and operates a CNC machine.

Machine Tool:

Powered mechanical device, typically used to fabricate metal components of machines by machining.

Machining: The selective removal of metal or material.

Machine Code- Code obeyed by a computer that needs no further translation.

Machine Tool

A power driven machine used to form or shape metal and other materials.

Machining Center

 Machine tools, normally Numerically Controlled, capable of automatically repeating many operations such as drilling, reaming, tapping, milling, and boring multiple faces on a work piece.

Macro

A group of instructions that can be stored and recalled to solve a recurring problem.

Magnetic Tape

 A tape made of plastic or mylar that is covered with magnetic particles. It stores information by selective polarization of portions of the surface.

Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II)

 a system used to plan and manage manufacturing operations. The bill of materials (BOM) for products release to manufacturing is a key part of the MRP II data. Evolved from materials requirements planning (MRP).
See also ERP, PDM

Manual Data Input

 MDI-A mode of control that allows the operator to input data into the control system, the data input is identical to the data that can be input by other means such as tape or DNC.

Manual Part Programming

 The preparation of a manuscript in machine control language and format to define a sequence of commands for processing by a CNC machine.

Manuscript

 A written or printed copy, in symbolic form, containing the same data as that punched on cards or retained in a memory unit.

Megabyte (MB)

 a unit of measure that typically identifies the capacity of a computer's memory, storage space, or information-handling abilities. One MB is 1,048,576 bytes.

Megahertz (MHz)

 millions of Hertz (cycles/sec) is a commonly used measure of the clock speed of a CPU. All else being equal, a CPU running at a higher MHz will be faster than one running at a slower clock speed.
See also CPU

Memory

 An organized collection of storage elements into which a unit of information consisting of a binary digit can be stored and from which can later be retrieved.

Meshing

 the process of dividing geometry into a grid of elements for finite-element analysis.
See also finite-element analysis

Mirror

 a function for creating entities in a 2D or 3D CAD program; such entities are mirrored yet opposites copies of the original.

Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC)

 an application framework that provides reusable C++ object classes that can be used to reduce the amount of programming necessary to develop Windows-based applications such as CAD and to include OLE capability within these applications. (Microsoft Corp.)
See also OLE

Mirror Image

 The reversal of plus and minus values along an axis. Mirror imaging is used to make a left-handed part from a right-handed tool path. When axis inversion is used circular interpolation is also reversed. Use of (INV,X1Y0) is a Type II language command.

Modal

 Pertaining to information that is retained by the system until new information is obtained that replaces it.

Module

 An interchangeable plug-in item containing components.

MTB

 Machine Tool Builder.

MultiMedia Architecture (MMX)

 architectural design enhancements to the Intel Pentium CPU chip to handle multimedia operations. (Intel Corp.)

Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME)

 a specification for exchanging text (in different character sets) and multimedia (sound, images, etc.) among different systems using Internet mail standards.

Leading Zeros

 Redundant zeros to the left of a number.

Letter Address

 Often called NC Words, such as X, Y, Z, F, G, M.

Linear Interpolation

A control function whereby data points are generated between given coordinate positions to allow simultaneous movement one, two or more axes of motion in a linear path.

Level-of-Detail control (LOD)

 the ability to vary the amount of details displayed in a graphics image to improve performance. For instance, at a distance, models can appear as simple 3D figures, but as users zoom in, a more detailed representation is presented.

Local-area network (LAN)

 two or more computers linked via cables and software so they can share data, programs, peripherals.

Lofted surface

 a surface created by fitting a shape to a series of 2D cross-sections.
See also swept surface, surface modeling

Kinematics

 method of analyzing a moving mechanical system without regard to forces. Inverse kinematics is a method of determining mechanism geometry from a desired motion.
See also dynamics, interference checking

Loop

Repetitive operations can be programmed in a continuous mode until the desired functions have been completed.

Kilobyte (KB)

 a unit of measure that typically identifies the capacity of a computer's memory, storage space, or information-handling abilities. One KB is 1,024 bytes.

Jog

 A control function that momentarily operates a drive into the machine.

Jig

 A fixturing device used most often for drilling operations.

Java

 a programming language developed by Sun Microsystems that can be read and translated to run on any platform. Most often used in Internet/Web applications (Note- Java is not an acronym). (Sun Microsystems Corp.)
See also Internet, World-Wide Web

Independent Software Vendor (ISV)

 a company that offers commercial software and that does not offer hardware.

Incremental Dimensioning

 A method of expressing a dimension with respect to the preceding point. NOT a good idea, incremental dimensioning allows users to fall into a trap. If a single error in data is entered incorrectly at the beginning of a project, ALL points determined afterwards will have that amount of error built into them.

Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)

 object-oriented universal software language for defining AEC/FM project models, allowing the sharing of the information globally, across disciplines, and technical applications throughout a project life cycle. Supports specific AEC processes such as architectural design, HVAC engineering design, construction management, and facilities management. Commercial software based on IFC will be able to understand and manipulate objects created by others, and each such application can create new objects with intelligent relationships to the others' objects. (International Alliance for Interoperability)
See also International Alliance for Interoperability

Inhibit

 To prevent an action or event.

Inkjet printer/plotter

a hardcopy device that uses liquid ink sprayed through miniature nozzles onto the paper in dot matrix patterns to form text and graphics. Color inkjets use several ink nozzles connected to containers of colored inks.

Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES)

 neutral file format used to exchange vector and text data among CAD systems. It is the format for graphical vector data in the Computer-Aided Acquisition and Logistics Support (CALS) document.
See also vector data, CALS

Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)

 An interface standard that connects hard-disk drives to PCs. Extended IDE (EIDE), also known as AT Attachment (ATA)-2 or Fast ATA, is another such interface.

Input

Transfer of external data into the control system.

International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI)

 an organization formed to define, promote, and publish specifications for Industry Foundation Classes as a basis for sharing AEC project information globally, across disciplines, and technical applications throughout a project life cycle. (International Alliance for Interoperability)
See also Industry Foundation Classes

Interference checking

the process of identifying if and where two or more pieces of geometry (usually solids) intersect. When moving parts are involved, a kinematics analysis is used to detect interferences.
See also kinematics

International Standards Organization (ISO)

is a worldwide, non-governmental federation of national standards bodies from some 100 countries.

Interpolation

A function of a control whereby data points are generated between given coordinate positions.

Internet

the public, worldwide "network of networks" based on TCP/IP protocols.
See also Intranet

Intranet

a private network that uses the same technologies (TCP/IP, HTTP, HTML, etc.) that make up the Internet. Typically, intranets are internal to a company or organization, secure from the Internet at large.
See also TCP/IP, HTTP, HTML, Internet

HyperText Transport Protocol (HTTP)

the protocol used to move HTML files over the Internet or intranet.
See also Internet, Intranet, HTML

ISO

International Organization of Standardization.

Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language (HPGL)

a format for graphics printing, especially of CAD data, developed and used by Hewlett-Packard Co. and emulated by many others. This format is sometimes used to exchange CAD data among systems. (Hewlett-Packard Co.)

HyperText Markup Language (HTML, HTM)

the standard markup coding used to create content for the Web.
See also World-Wide Web

Hardware- The components that make up a computer or control system.

Hard-Wired- Having logic circuits interconnected on a backplane to give a fixed pattern of events.

Hard Copy- A readable output of data on paper.

hardcopy device- a peripheral device used to create permanent, printed output from a computer or workstation.

Graphics Interchange Format (GIF)- a raster format for graphics, particularly photos, illustrations, and icons. Widely used for Web applications.
See also World Wide Web

Graphics library- a set of software functions specifically for graphics. Typically provided separately from the application program and the hardware.
See also API, OpenGL

Graphical User Interface (GUI)- an interface to a computer that uses icons to represent desktop objects, such as documents and programs, that the user can access and manipulate with a pointing device, such as a mouse.

Graphics board- special circuitry typically added as a separate board to a computer to handle graphics processing. Also called video cards, graphics cards, and graphics accelerators.

G Code- -Active Preparatory Function-An NC word addressed by the letter G and followed by a numeric value, G Codes are flags that when executed by the machine control unit, initiate axis motions, plane changes, feed rate changes, etc.

GIGO- -Anacronym for "Garbage In, Garbage Out", when a programmer is given garbled inaccurate information (geometry), the BEST that can be expected is an inaccurate tool path. ALWAYS, proof every number given to you from any Engineer, if you don't you will be re-programming the work!

Geographic Information System (GIS)- computer system or software that includes both graphics data as well as textual information for applications in mapping, demographics, etc.

Gigabyte (GB)- a unit of measure that typically identifies the capacity of a computer's memory, storage space, or information-handling abilities. One GB is 1,073,741,824 bytes or 1,000 MB.
See also megabytes

Gauge Height-A predetermined Z axis clear plane retraction point along the Z-axis to which the cuter retreats allowing safe X Y axis travel.

Geometry: The measurement, properties and relationships of the lines and points of an object that make up its shape.

Geometric Modeling: A modeling process in which a designer creates lines and text that represents the shape of a desired part. Geometric modeling is the first step in CAD.

G-Code: Common name for the programming language that controls NC and CNC machine tools.

Floating point- a method of calculation and storage of numbers in which the decimal point moves instead of staying in a fixed position to handle significant digits.

Floating Zero- -A characteristic of a machine control unit that allows the zero reference point to be established at any point of travel along an axis.

Flat shading- rendering method whereby each polygon face has a constant shade.
See also rendering

Floating license- a method of licensing software so that X number of concurrent users anywhere on the network can use a copy at any one time, versus licensing the software for a particular system or user.

Fixed Block Format- -A format where data blocks appear in sequentially arranged order.

Fixed Cycle- - A preset sequence of events initiated by a single G coded command.

Finite-Element Modeling (FEM)- the process of setting up a model to be analyzed with the finite-element method, typically done graphically with geometry, where the model is meshed and boundary conditions are specified. Sometimes refers to the evaluation and reporting of results of such an analysis as well.
See also boundary conditions, finite-element analysis, meshing, pre-processing, post-processing

Firmware- Programs or controlled instructions that are not changeable by the user and that are often held in ROM, Read Only Memory.

File Transfer Protocol (ftp)- a protocol for the Internet that allows for direct downloading or uploading of files.

Finite-Element Analysis (FEA)- a computer-based method that breaks geometry into elements and links a series of equations to each, which are then solved simultaneously to evaluate the behavior of the entire system. Most often used for structural analysis, but widely applicable for other types of analysis and simulation, including thermal, fluid, and electromagnetic.
See also finite-element modeling, preprocessing, post processing.

Feed Rate Override- -A variable manual control function that allows the control system to increase or reduce programmed feed rates.

File- -An organized collection of relevant, orderly data.

Feed- -A programmed or manually established rate of movement of the cutting tool into the work piece for the required machining operation.

Feed Rate- -F Word-A multi-character code containing the letter F followed by digits that determine the machine slide rate of movement.

Fahrenheit

a joint project between Silicon Graphics Inc. and Microsoft that will result in a suite of Application Programming Interfaces (API) for the Microsoft's DirectX multimedia architecture on Windows and for Silicon Graphics' UNIX platform; it will integrate Microsoft's Direct3D and DirectDraw with Silicon Graphics OpenGL, OpenGL Scene Graph and OpenGL Optimizer.
See also API

Feature-based modeling- a method of building and editing 3D models (usually solid models) by using standard features such as holes, slots, bosses, etc.
See also solid modeling

Executive Program- -A set of programming instructions that allows a CNC lathe to have the capability to perform lathe functions or a CNC mill to perform
milling functions. A set of instructions designed to output specific functions.

Facilities Management (FM)- the task of managing the space, utilities, and other resources in a building, plant, or factory, often with the assistance of CAD software

Engineering Document Management (EDM)- the process of organizing, managing, and tracking drawings and other documents, usually with the aid of computers.

Enterprise Resource Management (ERP)- a system used to handle a wide range of business functions, including accounting, sales, distribution, materials management, production planning, and human resources. Some MRP II systems have evolved into ERP systems. See also MRP II, PDM

End of Program- -A miscellaneous function (M02) that represents the completion of a programmed cycle.

End Points- -The extremities of a span.

EIA Standard Code- -A standard code for positioning, linear motion, and contouring control systems proposed by the U.S. EIA Standard RS-244.

End-Of-Block Character- -A character representing the end of a programmed block of information.

Edit- -To modify the form of data.

EDM- Electrical Discharge Machining

- Milling-

- Turning-

- Turning-