Theorem’s Publish 3D Document using Adobe’s PDF format Makes 3D CAD data accessible and secure
3D PDF technologyis a way of sharing 3D data within the Adobe PDF format that is recognised and used on computers worldwide.
Which is where Theorem’s Publish 3D Document software comes in.
Theorem’s Publish 3D Document suite of products enable the translation of 3D CAD data from within CATIA V5, NX, PTC’s Creo Parametric, and JT applications into a readable PDF with an interactive 3D product image embedded within the document.
The Theorem Publish 3D Document software incorporates a range of different product applications:
- Publish 3D Document On Demand allows for batch publishing from the CATIA V5, NX, CREO and JT systems into the 3D PDF format.
- Publish 3D Document Interactive publishes from within the native CAD system and uses the Save As function to create the 3D PDF.
- Publish 3D Document Automated allows for high volume batch publishing
- Publish 3D Document Add-Ons are the 3D PDF publishing tools for NX and JT translators which gives the original translated output alongside the 3D PDF.
Anybody with access to the freely available Adobe reader, either on a PC, tablet or phone can access the interactive 3D data and are able to view, mark up and interrogate the document without the use of specialist CAD software. Using the toolbar provided by Adobe, the user can manipulate and view the data in a way that is applicable to them. The 3D PDF has the capability for the document to be annotated and can also act as a ‘carrier’ file for additional data to be transported (such as spreadsheets, AVI Movies, hyperlinks, as well as native CAD data) to create a richer file and source of information.
In addition, PDF files containing interactive 3D data created using Theorem’s Publish 3D Document suite of products provide a higher level of Intellectually Property (IP) security than native CAD files by allowing the documents to be password protected. Native CAD files cannot be password protected, causing IP vulnerabilities when shared or accessed. This works alongside the data being translated into a tessellated format, so that the 3D representation can be viewed and manipulated, but the native CAD data cannot be accessed or reproduced from the PDF alone. This added functionality gives greater confidence when sharing sensitive information with partners and suppliers using a password protected PDF file.
The simplicity of 3D PDF, low cost, and ease of use allows for the integration of departments, customers and suppliers into the product lifecycle process which in turn leads to reduced lead times, fewer mistakes and better products.
From conception to production the life of a product goes through many processes before it is deemed sellable. Along this product journey, especially within the design process, a lot of information needs to be exchanged. Whether it is internally or from the OEM’s down through the supply/distribution chain, data is constantly being passed back and forth. When it comes to the engineering and manufacturing side of things, a lot of the technical data is created and viewed through the specialist CAD software, which is often only available, and understood, by those who use it. But in a lot of cases it would be useful for all the different departments involved- such as Purchasing, Inspection, Sales, and Marketing to be able to see what is being developed and have a more thorough understanding of the product’s lifecycle.
As the 3D PDF is an easily readable document and can be readily accessed by anyone with the Adobe reader, it is opening up opportunities for sharing information within an organisation and up and down the supply/distribution chains, allowing improvements to assembly, product cost and quality.
To download some sample interactive 3D PDF documents please visit:
http://www.theorem.com/dm/Publish3d-Doc-PR.htm
If you would like any more information on Theorem’s Publish 3D Document suite of products and 3D PDF’s, you can get in touch with Theorem on
+44(0)1827 305 350
