Most systems save a part history of some kind in the export file. This history can make the filesize very large. Please try to delete the history (orphan the parts) before you send them, unless there is a specific reason not to do so. Catia can save rendering information along with the part geometry. This can make an otherwise small file much bigger. Please export the file in a wireframe mode. This will make a smaller file, and so decrease upload/download time.

When sending data, please try to compress it. We can deal with most major formats: zip, gzip, compress, rar, lha etc. If you are unsure then contact us and we will find a way around. If you are using UNIX, you will have to use the ‘tar’ program to group multiple files into one file. Tar by itself does not compress the files, please also compress them.

We can accept data via a number of different systems:
FTP - We have our own FTP site: ftp.generalpattern.com. You can log on to this and upload your data in this directory. You will need to register for an account with data@generalpattern.com to use this service. We can also retrieve data from your own site if you have one. Please call your local office to discuss details.

C3P FTP – We are a member of the Ford Supplier Network. If you are either an employee of the Ford Motor Company, or a tier one Ford supplier, you can put data in our mailbox. Please call your local office to arrange details.

Email – You can email your data to us at data@generalpattern.com. Please ensure you state clearly where the data is from and who it is intended for.

Special Transfer Systems – We can also use special transfer systems that your own company may have (such as DATAX or CEDAT systems). Please call your local office to arrange details.

Odette – We support the Odette Transfer System. Please call your local office to arrange details.

If transfer is not possible by any of the above methods, we can also accept a variety of storage media:
3.5” Floppy – These are very cheap, but unlikely to be large enough for most data.
CD-R – These make the best option, as they are very cheap, have lots of space…if you can write them.
100/250Mb Zip disk – These have a good capacity and are easy to use, but the disks can be quite expensive.
DAT cartridges (4mm/8mm/1”) – These can have a very large capacity (dependant on length of tape), but can be expensive and are not very easy to use.

We always want to ensure you get the quickest and most reliable turnaround when you send us data. Please make sure that you send a covering message, by email, fax, or a text file along with the data, so your job/quote can be processed accurately.

If there is anything that you do not understand, or you cannot find a suitable way to send us your data, please do not hesitate to call, and we will work out a way!